Using the EPPM to Create and Evaluate the Effectiveness of Brochures to Increase the Use of Hearing Protection in Farmers and Landscape Workers

Abstract

Abstract The extended parallel process model was employed to increase intentions to use on-the-job hearing protection among agricultural workers. Brochures were designed to increase perceptions of the threat of hearing loss and the efficacy of hearing protection to avert hearing loss. Brochures were presented to one half of the sample in each population (farmers and landscapers), and a questionnaire was administered assessing perceptions of threat, efficacy, and intentions. The other half of each sample completed the questionnaire, and then received brochures. Results indicated that farmers were initially high in threat and efficacy perceptions, but brochure exposure resulted in higher intentions to use hearing protection. Landscapers perceived higher threat, efficacy, and intentions after being presented with the brochure. Results are discussed in terms of future research and practical application. Keywords: Extended Parallel Process ModelHearing Protection Acknowledgements Partial funding for this project was provided from NIOSH cooperative agreement U60/CCU515856. The authors would like to thank Debra A. Chester, of the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at Michigan State University, for her help with data collection. Additional informationNotes on contributorsSandi W. Smith Dr. Smith is Professor of Communication at Michigan State University Kenneth D. Rosenman Dr. Rosenman is Professor of Medicine at Michigan State University Michael R. Kotowski Dr. Kotowski is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Tennessee Edward Glazer Mr. Glazer is a Doctoral Student of Communication at Michigan State University Courtnay McFeters Ms. McFeters is the Influenza Health Education Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Community Health Nicole M. Keesecker Ms. Keesecker is a Health Communication Specialist at the University of Chicago Angela Law Ms. Law is at the YWCA Seattle