Exposure to Health (Mis)Information: Lagged Effects on Young Adults’ Health Behaviors and Potential Pathways

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Consumers frequently encounter competing health information comprising of accurate and erroneous messages about different diseases. This longitudinal study examined the lagged associations between young adults’ exposure to health (mis)information about four cancer-related risk factors (indoor tanning, e-cigarette use, re-using plastic bottles, and artificial sweeteners), beliefs, intentions, and behaviors as informed by theories of behavior change. We found significant lagged associations between health (mis)information exposure and beliefs for three topics; beliefs predicted subsequent intentions for two topics; and intentions predicted subsequent behaviors for three topics. The hypothesized pathway of effects was supported for two topics. These findings provide insights for developing theory in the area of (mis)information effects and for designing interventions that mitigate the adverse consequences of misinformation.

Authors

• Andy SL Tan, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health

• Chul-joo Lee, Seoul National University

• Jiyoung Chae, U of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign