Using the question-behavior effect to promote disease prevention behaviors: two randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE

To test the efficacy of interventions based on the question-behavior effect in promoting the adoption of disease prevention behaviors.

DESIGN

In Study 1, adults from the general public were randomly allocated to complete a questionnaire about health checks (question-behavior effect condition) or not (control) and later received an invitation to attend for screening. In Study 2, health care professionals were randomly allocated to complete a questionnaire about influenza vaccination or not and later had the opportunity to receive a vaccination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We objectively assessed health check attendance (Study 1) and influenza vaccination (Study 2).

RESULTS

In Study 1, intention-to-treat analyses indicated that health check attendance was significantly higher in the question-behavior effect condition (68.3%) compared with the control condition (53.5%). In Study 2, intention-to-treat analyses indicated that influenza vaccination was significantly higher among participants in the question-behavior effect condition (42.0%) compared with the control condition (36.3%), and this effect persisted after controlling for demographic variables. Explanatory analyses indicated that the effects in both studies were attributable to completing rather than merely receiving the questionnaire and were stronger for those with positive attitudes or intentions about the target behavior.

CONCLUSION

The question-behavior effect represents a simple, cost-effective means to increase disease prevention behaviors among the general public and health professionals. Implications for promoting health behaviors are discussed.