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CULTURALLY TARGETED HEALTH MESSAGES: PROMOTING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH MESSAGE DESIGN
Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
4-1-2027
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
College
Communication and Information
Department/School/Program
Communication
Faculty
Nancy G. Harrington
Faculty
Renee Kaufmann
Abstract
Much research has examined persuasive message design; however, theory-driven culturally targeted health messages remain understudied. This dissertation applied theory to design culturally targeted Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prevention messages and examined their persuasive effects on outcome measures among Black adults. Guided by the extended parallel process model, cultural sensitivity theory, and the elaboration likelihood model, the study assessed how culturally targeted textual and visual elements influenced cognitive processing, attitudes, behavioral intentions for physical activity and diet, perceived threat, and perceived efficacy. Using a 2 x 3 factorial design, the research was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 employed an iterative participatory design process using focus groups (N = 28) to refine culturally targeted messages. Phase 2 experimentally tested the messages with Black adults (N = 273). Data were analyzed using a 2 x 3 factorial ANOVA and ANCOVA, and paired samples t-tests. Focus group findings indicated a preference for concise, culturally relevant messages with clear calls to action. Although no significant main or interaction effects emerged, intentions to engage in AD prevention behaviors increased from pretest to posttest. Findings inform culturally targeted health communication strategies for AD prevention among Black adults.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.12
Archival?
Archival
Funding Information
UNITE Predoctoral Fellowship, from 2022 – 2023.
UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science TL1 Fellow, grant (TL1TR001997) from 2023 – 2025.
UK College of Communication and Information Dissertation Research Program in 2025.
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Yolanda L., "CULTURALLY TARGETED HEALTH MESSAGES: PROMOTING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH MESSAGE DESIGN" (2026). Theses and Dissertations--Communication. 149.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/comm_etds/149
