Finding the Impact Zone: Testing Health News for Native and Non-Native Audiences

This study helps bridge the existing divide between the knowledge on effective use of mass media to target mainstream populations and similar tactics for improving health reporting for indigenous populations. Using a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects design, participants (N = 209) at a Native American powwow responded to questions assessing knowledge and intent to read stories. Results revealed thematically framed stories encouraged knowledge acquisition among non-Natives. An interaction between diabetes news with thematic framing enhanced knowledge among Natives and the general population. Results suggest messaging strategies can effectively convey health information to Native Americans and non-Native populations alike.