EurekaFacts Presents at APHA 2016!
EurekaFacts experts will present original research findings from the EurekaFacts Millennial Panel at the American Public Health Association 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo taking place Oct. 29 – Nov. 2 in Denver, CO.
EurekaFacts presentations include:
Session ID: 4420.0
Title: Millennials’ Beliefs and Behaviors Regarding Immune Boosting Strategies for Flu Prevention: Implications for a Co-Branding Approach to Promote Flu Vaccination
Session Title: Promoting Vaccination for Young People (organized by HCWG)
Session Date/Time: Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Presentation format: Oral presentation
EurekaFacts Presenter: Alec Ulasevich, PhD
Abstract: Previous studies have noted that beliefs in a “strong immune system” or engaging in “immune boosting” strategies were among some of the most important barriers to flu vaccine uptake. While a strong immune system is generally an advantage to one’s health, relatively healthy adults can experience severe complications from flu, and can spread it to others. This study examines millennials’ attitudes and behaviors towards seasonal flu vaccination in relationship to “immune boosting” strategies. Data were collected using an online survey administered to a panel of millennials, ages 18 to 34 (n=1,181). Over two-thirds of respondents believed that having a strong immune system would prevent them from getting the flu. Behaviors related to this belief (getting enough sleep, staying fit, and eating healthy) were considered more efficacious in preventing flu than the flu vaccine. Those who held the belief that a strong immune system prevents the flu were 63% less likely to get a flu shot, and were more likely to engage in other preventive strategies, such as eating special foods, wearing warm clothing and eating a healthy diet. Findings suggest that millennials’ engagement in alternative strategies may be at the expense of getting vaccinated. A solution to this public health conundrum may lie in a co-branding approach. Convincing millennials that flu vaccination is both compatible and complementary to the alternative behaviors they are already engaged in to prevent the flu may help to engage the audience and leverage their existing motivations towards the recommended action.
Session ID: 4366.0
Title: Millennials’ Knowledge and Attitudes about ‘Vaping’ and the Regulation of E-Cigarettes: Implications for Health Promotion and Communication Efforts
Session Title: E-cigarettes: policy trends and current practices (organized by ATOD)
Session Date/Time: Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 4:30 pm
Presentation format: Oral presentation
EurekaFacts Presenter: Samantha Jacobs, MPH
Abstract: E-cigarettes, or “vaping,” is growing increasingly popular, especially among teenagers and young adults. In light of the proposed rule that would give FDA the authority to regulate e-cigarette products, it is important to understand the mindset of one of the industry’s largest segments, millennials. An online survey was administered to a panel of millennials, ages 18 to 34 (n=1,429).
Findings demonstrate that although millennials considered vaping to be safer than smoking cigarettes, they were uncertain about the safety of the ingredients, potential health consequences, and addictive properties. Social norms around vaping were stronger among peers compared to family members. Only a third of respondents knew that e-cigarettes are not currently regulated by a Federal agency. When informed that these products are not currently regulated, 45% responded that e-cigarettes were less safe than previously thought. Source credibility of information about the safety and long-term effects of e-cigarettes was highest for universities/academic researchers (74%), followed by Federal government agencies (48%), health websites (46%), and consumer advocacy organizations (42%). Participants had the lowest trust in information from manufacturers/retailers (6%). Findings suggest that FDA’s potentially impending regulation of e-cigarettes may have an unintended consequence of a change in perceived safety. Thus, the introduction of regulatory authority should be accompanied by public health education campaigns. Strategic communication from the Federal government should be widespread and address any misconceptions that may have been conveyed prior to regulation. Collaborating with universities and research institutions may be a promising channel for educating millennial audiences.