Tailored versus general information on early detection of cancer: a comparison of the reactions of Dutch adults and the impact on attitudes and behaviors.

This article describes the process evaluation of two interventions (tailored or general information) to encourage people to behave in a manner conducive to the early detection of cancer. A total of 1040 Dutch adults participated in the study. Tailored information is adapted to the characteristics, needs and interests of the individual, and hence has more personal relevance and contains less redundant information. It was therefore hypothesized that tailored information would be evaluated better than general information, does not increase worries, influences attitude and behavior change, and that no differences in subgroups would be found in the reactions to the tailored information. The results showed that both kinds of information were read by a large majority of the participants. Recipients of the tailored information saved and discussed the information with others more often, and they were more appreciative of its format and content. Tailored information resulted significantly more often in changes in attitudes and behavior after the intervention. It is concluded that information adapted to individuals' characteristics is an accepted method of health education in early detection of cancer.