Journal
PLOS ONE
Volume 17, Issue 9, Pages -Publisher
PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270936
Keywords
-
Categories
Funding
- Australian Research Council (ARC) [DP190103434]
- ARC DP
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study explores how women with different life chances determine the trustworthiness of information regarding the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer risk. The study finds that women use three heuristics to assess the credibility of the information and that this assessment is influenced by social class.
Background High rates of alcohol consumption by midlife women, despite the documented risks associated with breast cancer, varies according to social class. However, we know little about how to develop equitable messaging regarding breast cancer prevention that takes into consideration class differences in the receipt and use of such information. Objective To explore the heuristics used by women with different (inequitable) life chances to determine the trustworthiness of information regarding alcohol as a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer risk. Methods and materials Interviews were conducted with 50 midlife (aged 45-64) women living in South Australia, diversified by self-reported alcohol consumption and social class. Women were asked to describe where they sought health information, how they accessed information specific to breast cancer risk as it relates to alcohol, and how they determined whether (or not) such information was trustworthy. De-identified transcripts were analysed following a three-step progressive method with the aim of identifying how women of varying life chances determine the trustworthiness of alcohol and breast cancer risk information. Three heuristics were used by women: (1) consideration of whose interests are being served; (2) engagement with 'common sense'; and (3) evaluating the credibility of the message and messenger. Embedded within each heuristic are notable class-based distinctions. Conclusions More equitable provision of cancer prevention messaging might consider how social class shapes the reception and acceptance of risk information. Class should be considered in the development and tailoring of messages as the trustworthiness of organizations behind public health messaging cannot be assumed.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available