[NIFL-HEALTH:4677] FW: Choice of format

From: Mersereau, Patricia (PGM5@CDC.GOV)
Date: Mon Mar 07 2005 - 14:32:17 EST


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From: "Mersereau, Patricia" <PGM5@CDC.GOV>
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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:4677] FW: Choice of format
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We are definitely planning to pre-test the product, but we hoped to get some guidance on the format before deciding on the product.

ALL women of childbearing age should take folic acid daily to prevent serious birth defects of the brain and spine, even if they aren't planning to get pregnant.  In the U.S., about half of all pregnancies are unplanned.  The critical period of organ development happens in the first month of pregnancy, before most women know that they are pregnant-so we encourage ALL women who can get pregnant to take 400 mcg. folic acid each day to help prevent those serious birth defects.  A multivitamin, a single folic acid pill, or a serving of breakfast cereal fortified with 100% DV (Daily Value) of folic acid are easy ways to ensure getting enough.  

Often, women who are already pregnant hear about the need for folic acid during pregnancy, but they don't realize that they should continue taking it after delivery.  The material we propose will address that and could be given to women when they leave the hospital after delivery, at the 6 weeks check-up, or at other encounters during the postpartum period.  Realizing that these postpartum women are getting adjusted to a new lifestyle and are often overwhelmed with materials about their new baby, we want to make sure that their taking folic acid doesn't get lost in competing priorites.

Refrigerator magnets and mirror stickers are great ideas!

Thanks!

Patricia Mersereau, RN, MN, CPNP
Battelle contractor for CDC/NCBDDD
1600 Clifton Rd., NE
MS E-86
Atlanta, GA 30333
404-498-3871
pgm5@cdc.gov

-----Original Message-----
From: Eileen Hanlon [mailto:ehanlon@smtp.aed.org] 
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2005 1:41 PM
To: Mersereau, Patricia
Subject: Re: [NIFL-HEALTH:4676] Choice of format

Pre-testing would help answer your question, especially if you can better segment your audience and focus on the exact behavior. Is there a particular segment that needs additional folic acid? How "post-partum" are the women, that is, how young is their infant? What would a woman do with the card, seeing as they are trying to take care of a newborn? Is there a place the mother is more likely to take the folic acid, such as at breakfast? Maybe a table tent, mirror sticker, or refrigerator magnet would work better as a reminder? 
Pretesting different options is a lot of fun, and you learn so much. Good luck!
 
Eileen Hanlon
Academy for Educational Development

>>> PGM5@CDC.GOV 3/7/2005 1:02:21 PM >>>
Hi,

A committee of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network is
beginning to develop an educational material for postpartum women to
encourage them to continue taking folic acid daily.  I have done a quick
search for studies involving choice of format (front and back of card,
bifold brochure, or trifold brochure) but have not found anything.

Based on anecdotal information and the fact that the audience has a wide
range of health literacy skills, I lean towards choosing a front/back
card format written in a plain language.   Does anyone have references
or anecdotes to back up that choice or to point us to another choice?

Thanks,

Patricia Mersereau, RN, MN, CPNP
Battelle contractor for CDC/NCBDDD
1600 Clifton Rd., NE
MS E-86
Atlanta, GA 30333
404-498-3871
pgm5@cdc.gov



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