Investigating Single- Versus Multiple-Source Approaches to Communicating Health Messages Via an Online Simulation:

Purpose:To assess whether exposing drinkers to information about the alcohol–cancer link via multiple and diverse sources in an online simulation produces larger improvements in attitudes and intentions relative to exposure to a single source of information.Design:Experimental; unequal randomization with respondents allocated to either the single-source (20%) or multiple-source condition (80%). Alcohol-related behavioral intentions were assessed preexposure and postexposure.Setting:Australia.Participants:A total of 2087 drinkers consuming alcohol at least twice per month.Measures:Scales were used to assess attitudes toward the messages (believability, convincingness, and personal relevance) and behavioral intentions (extent to which participants believed that they should and would reduce their alcohol consumption and their intention to consume 5 or more drinks in a single session).Analysis:Hierarchical linear regression.Results:Source condition was significantly associated with all 3 attitudinal variables...