RESUMO
In this study, an attempt was made to analyze the effectiveness of a health communication campaign in bringing about dietary changes in persons with hyperlipoproteinemia. The author developed an instructional booklet for each of three types of hyperlipidemia. Sixty-eight patients identified by cooperating physicians were provided copies of the booklet (a mass media message) or a booklet combined with a telephone consultation (interpersonal communication). Fifty-six persons returned a mail questionnaire and indicated that the instructional technique was successful in changing both attitude and behavior. The positive correlation between changes in attitude and behavior suggests that a change in attitude about food would be likely to bring about alterations in eating habits. Questionnaire replies also demonstrated that the participants responded favorably to presentation techniques emphasizing the characteristics of simplicity, compatibility, trialability, and relative advantage. The combination of a telephone consultation plus a mass media message was significantly related to a greater change in attitude. These results have implications for the future development of instructional materials, as well as for the provision of dietary consultation by persons with a limited opportunity for personal contact with patients.
