Event: XVIII Congresso Nazionale della Sezione di Psicologia Sociale dell’AIP, 5-7 SETTEMBRE 2024, Università degli Studi di Torino – Complesso Aldo Moro

The effectiveness of tailored messaging interventions in promoting cancer screenings: a systematic review of the literature

Authors: Miriam Capasso, Marcella Bianchi

Abstract: Introduction. Promoting adherence to cancer screenings through effective communication campaigns is essential for the prevention and early diagnosis of tumours, significantly improving patients’ health prospects. In this regard, tailored messaging interventions can represent an effective strategy to increase adherence to cancer screenings by adapting persuasive messages to the individual characteristics of recipients. Objectives and Methods. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness of tailored messaging interventions in promoting cervical, mammographic, and colorectal screenings. Experimental studies conducted from January 2000 to March 2024, published in English, Italian, or Spanish, which used at least one psychological tailored variable and considered screening intention or behaviour as outcome variables, were included. Data were sourced from the Psychinfo and Pubmed databases, identifying 36 studies that met all inclusion criteria. Results. The results of the included studies were heterogeneous: some showed superior effectiveness of tailored interventions compared to targeted or standard ones, while others showed no significant differences. These results vary based on the characteristics of the interventions and participants involved. Conclusions. This review highlights that tailored messaging interventions can positively influence the intention and adherence to cancer screenings. However, the effectiveness of such interventions depends on a range of complex factors. Besides message personalisation and appropriate segmentation of recipients, it was found that combining multiple tailored interventions, such as those pairing persuasive messages with telephone counselling, can significantly enhance overall effectiveness. Furthermore, the type of population investigated, such as minority groups or specific socio-demographic categories, can influence the success of interventions. Further research is needed to better understand these mechanisms and optimise the effectiveness of tailored interventions in promoting cancer screenings.