An Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model to Optimize Health Messages for At-Risk Populations during COVID-19: Investigating the Relationship between Threat Perception and Protective Health Behaviours in People with Obesity

People with Obesity (PwO) are at an increased risk of more severe outcomes of COVID-19. Although protective behaviours can reduce the spread of COVID-19, strategies are required to motivate PwO to engage in these behaviours. Targeted messages can be used to encourage adherence to protective behaviours; however, careful consideration is needed to avoid worsen feelings of weight stigma. The Extended Parallel Process Model was applied to explore perceptions of COVID-19 and protective behaviours, and the effects of targeted messages on motivation among PwO. Participants (N=76) completed an online survey and received a targeted COVID-19 message. Adherence to protective behaviours was significantly correlated with response efficacy, self-efficacy, attitudes, and intentions. Following message exposure, feelings of weight stigma moderated the relationship between attitudes and protective behaviours. Path analyses found that self-efficacy and attitudes predicted intentions, which predicted protective behaviours. This work will inform the development of optimally effective messages to support PwO during subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and future targeted message efforts for other health behaviours.

Author dc:creator

• Mohabir, Nilina Chanwatty Devi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Basett-Gunter, Rebecca

• Health education

Statement dc:rights

• Author owns copyright, except where explicitly noted. Please contact the author directly with licensing requests.

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10315/38725

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:yorkspace.library.yorku.ca:10315/38725