Factors influencing successful preventive health education.

This paper examines factors which may influence successful preventive health education for all persons and especially poor persons. The discussion is organized within a framework which includes cognitive factors, affective factors and skills. Types of health information and methods for information dissemination are discussed within the cognitive area. The discussion of emotional responses to preventive care examines organizational and individual factors which may be related to utilization. Finally, specific skills which enable an individual to utilize serves are defined. Within each section a general presentation is followed by a discussion of implications for poor populations.