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
Summer 2006

The PCRD now features 54 full-text audience research reports on key prevention topics that can help inform program development and implementation.



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

PCRD News: Most HHS Public Information Campaigns Include Formative Research
New Healthy People 2010 Targets to Promote More Research and Evaluation

The PCRD plays a dynamic role in supporting the Health Communication Focus Area of Healthy People 2010 by providing free access to audience research on key prevention topics.  A recent survey found that communication research is an integral element in the large majority of public information campaigns sponsored or conducted by HHS.  The review of health communication initiatives found that:

  • 95% have formative evaluation
  • 81% have process evaluation
  • 59% have outcome evaluation

The findings will serve as a baseline to measure progress towards Objective 11-3 of the Health Communication Focus Area to increase the proportion of communication activities that include research and evaluation. Targets for 2010 seek the following:

  • 100% have formative evaluation
  • 89% have process evaluation
  • 65% have outcome evaluation

Integrating research into all phases of program development helps strengthen information campaigns. The outcome evaluation data indicate whether any type of outcome evaluation—short term or long term—was conducted. The data do not imply that campaigns should all have the same outcomes. For more information regarding Healthy People 2010, please go to the following link, http://wonder.cdc.gov/data2010/focus.htm.

Submit your audience research reports

Contributing HHS-sponsored or conducted audience research reports to the PCRD helps increase exposure for your agency’s communication research among colleagues and enables program planners on the local, state, and Federal level to gain new insights. The full requirements and process for report submission can be found on the PCRD Web site.


Healthy Lifestyles: Using Research to Inform Communication

If you are charged with issuing RFPs for communications campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, consider recommending the PCRD to your contractors and grantees. The PCRD features valuable audience research reports on a range of prevention topics, including obesity, healthy eating and nutrition, and physical activity. A recently added report, “Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Prevention Media Campaign: Take a Small Step to Get Healthy,” describes and summarizes the communications strategy for the Healthy Lifestyles and Disease Media Campaign aimed at the prevention of overweight-obesity.

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

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