Behavior Archives - Allison McCoin MPH

As public health marketers, it is our goal to encourage healthy habits and the utilization of public services in our communities. The rise of smartphones has impacted the way people see their health and how they search for information. Smartphones and apps allow healthcare agencies to directly link with community members to better answer questions and meet their needs.

Mobile Apps

Many healthcare agencies now have their own mobile apps for users to go in and find information, ask questions, and be connected with services. This direct connection with the community builds respect and trust, making your organization a reliable source of information. Getting the correct information to the public in an efficient manner can help alleviate confusion and increase the utilization of services.

Smartphones and apps have a direct impact on the decision-making process for individuals. It is often the first place people will look for information and recommendations. Utilizing smartphone technology can assist healthcare agencies in reaching and serving their communities.

We all know that wearing a mask helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At this point, it’s common knowledge, but there are still individuals resistant to the idea. Under these circumstances, changing the attitudes of the public is one of the greatest challenges for health departments.

Some public health agencies are more successful in addressing this challenge than others, as reflected by the variation in mask compliance across the U.S. The most successful agencies have changed community members’ behavior by linking the mask-wearing to existing beliefs. For example, the Illinois Health Department had a successful campaign encouraging residents to wear masks by comparing them to wearing a helmet or seatbelt. Since they linked mask use to safety precautions that people already take on a daily basis, health officials could focus less on changing residents’ minds to changing their behaviors.