The Prevention Communication Research Database (PCRD) is a searchable collection of audience research conducted or sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies. The PCRD highlights research findings that may not be widely known or published in peer-reviewed journals.


The PCRD e-Letter
Fall 2006

The PCRD is a goldmine of audience communication research, providing free access to over 50 full-text research reports.


Visit the PCRD at
http://www.health.gov/communication/

PCRD News: Focusing on Audience Research To Support Campaigns for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Since NBCAM began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. Unfortunately, some women do not take advantage of early detection methods such as screening mammograms and clinical breast exams.

For those at the local, state, or Federal level charged with raising public awareness about the early detection of breast cancer, the PCRD can provide information and insights to inform program development including four full text reports:

  • Mammography and Breast Cancer Motivational Messages: A Focus Group Study of Their Effectiveness Across Ethnic Groups [National Cancer Institute (NCI)]
  • Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior of Immigrant Asian American Women Ages 40 and Older Regarding Breast Cancer and Mammography Screening (NCI)
  • Provider-Targeted Interventions To Increase Mammography Screening Among Older Women: Report of Literature Review Findings (NCI)
  • CMRI's Asian American and Pacific Islander Medicare Mammography Brochure Focus Group Report (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)

The PCRD also features NCI research on communicating about cancer risk among health information seekers based on focus groups and key informants.

Contribute to the PCRD! HHS Research Makes a Vital Difference

Integrating research into all phases of program development helps strengthen public education campaigns. In its ongoing effort to build the PCRD into a robust resource, ODPHP is soliciting audience research reports. Any HHS-funded or supported audience communication research conducted at the local, state, or Federal level is eligible, including contractor research at the state level funded by Federal block grants. For information on submitting a report, see the PCRD site.


Audience Research Basics: A Popular Primer

If you have new interns and health communications specialists joining your staff, they may find it useful to have a quick refresher in the basics of audience research. Consider referring them to the PCRD site to review the "Audience Research Basics," a brief introduction to the topic that is one of the site's most popular pages. The primer includes:

  • Benefits of audience research
  • Uses of PCRD research studies
  • Overview of qualitative and quantitative research
  • Additional resources

E-mail your questions or technical issues at: PCRD@hhs.gov

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