Legislators’ Sources of Behavioral Health Research and Preferences for Dissemination: Variations by Political Party

Objectives:This study sought to characterize primary sources of behavioral health research and dissemination preferences of state legislators and assess differences by political party.Methods:A 2017 cross-sectional survey of state legislators (N=475) assessed where legislators seek, and the most important features of, behavioral health research. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were conducted.Results:Advocacy organizations (53%), legislative staff (51%), and state agencies (48%) were identified most frequently as sources of behavioral health research. Universities were identified by significantly more Democrats than Republicans (34% versus 19%; adjusted odds ratio=1.79). Data about budget impact and cost-effectiveness were most frequently rated as very important, but by significantly fewer Democrats than Republicans (77% versus 87% and 76% versus 89%, respectively).Conclusions:To reach legislators and satisfy their information preferences, behavioral health researchers should target...