Does entertainment-education work with Latinos in the United States? Identification and the effects of a telenovela breast cancer storyline

J Health Commun. 2007 Jul-Aug;12(5):455-69. doi: 10.1080/10810730701438690.

Abstract

This article examines the proposition that a popular form of entertainment, the telenovela, can educate Spanish-speaking viewers in the United States if accurate health information is presented in a dramatic, narrative format. Health professionals consulted on a breast cancer storyline in a Spanish-language telenovela, Ladrón de Corazones, and the impact on viewers' knowledge and behavioral intentions were assessed using three methods. First, an analysis of call attempts to 1-800-4-CANCER demonstrated a significant increase in calls when a PSA featuring the number aired during the program. Second, a nationwide telephone survey indicated that viewers, especially those who identify with Spanish-language television characters, gained specific knowledge from viewing the story and that male viewers were significantly more likely to recommend that women have a mammogram. Third, these trends were confirmed and further explored using focus groups of Ladrón viewers. Implications for educating viewers using dramatic serials in the United States are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Education*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Health Surveys
  • Hispanic or Latino*
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Program Evaluation
  • Social Marketing*
  • Television
  • United States