Brad Love | The University of Texas at Austin (original) (raw)

Papers by Brad Love

Health Communication, 2024

The most effective health communication builds from evidence-based best practices and theory. In ... more The most effective health communication builds from evidence-based best practices and theory. In practice, health campaigns rely on considerations often under-discussed in health communication, such as consistent agency-style client service, image management, and community coalition-building. Health outcome progress often requires change at multiple levels, from individual cognition and behavior to policy creation. These multi-level needs further highlight the importance of effective practical health communication supporting a range of outcomes and building toward replication. This article covers the complexities of building and implementing a theory-informed health communication structure for a multifaceted, place-based cancer prevention initiative. Part of the overall process includes detailing the internal communications of a health communication group, interorganizational communication, engaging community partner support, the message creation process, and longitudinal efforts on program maintenance and assessment. Furthermore, this article seeks to offer an example of the client service role a health communication team can play to combine theory, empirical message development, and community goals in whole community efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to share experiences from seven years of program work to help guide future community-based efforts in other health contexts and foster progress in theoretical and practical understandings of health communication.

Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology, May 31, 2023

Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 2007

Telemedicine and e-health includes the delivery of healthcare over a distance through the use of ... more Telemedicine and e-health includes the delivery of healthcare over a distance through the use of telecommunication technologies. One specific application is the use of `e-visits' within a clinical setting. e-Visits refer to any type of online patient-provider consultation where electronic information is exchanged, particularly involving the transmission via secure servers. Among many others, services such as patient portals and patient-provider

Global pediatric health, 2020

Research Square (Research Square), Jan 5, 2023

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Mar 29, 2017

Categorization of the needs of AYA cancer survivors is primarily based on quantitative analyses o... more Categorization of the needs of AYA cancer survivors is primarily based on quantitative analyses of epidemiological and observational research. The present study classified the phenomenological experiences of AYA survivors based on their own language. A systematic approach for selecting qualitative studies of unmet needs in AYA cancer survivors was used. Following selection based on quality, survivor statements were entered verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo qualitative research software. A total of 1993 AYA cancer survivors (post-treatment) were included in 58 studies (78% individual interviews). Mean age was 27.6 with an average of 8.6 years post-primary treatment. The organizational framework reported in this study was based on a heterogeneous group of cancer types. Thirteen themes including symptoms, function, reproductive health, emotional well-being, health management, health care system, social interaction, romantic relationships, cancer disclosure, normalcy, career development and employment, and school and fiscal concerns were identified. Forty-eight subthemes were also identified covering such areas as fertility, integrative health services, advice for cancer disclosure, family interaction, and insurance challenges. Direct analysis of text identified many common unmet needs similarly reported in the quantitative literature. The phenomenological data also provided a breakdown of unmet needs into subthemes or elements of unmet needs. This information can help form the basis for a personalized, valid, and reliable evaluation tool of the range of unmet needs in AYA survivors.

Qualitative Health Research, Oct 14, 2016

Cancer Causes & Control, Dec 1, 2018

Qualitative Health Research, Jul 25, 2011

Adults in the United States increasingly use the Internet for health information, and online disc... more Adults in the United States increasingly use the Internet for health information, and online discussions can provide insights into public perceptions of health issues. The purpose of this project was to investigate public perceptions of issues related to health literacy, within the context of a conversation about recommendations to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, driven by concerns about acetaminophen-related liver injuries due in part to health literacy issues. The discussion took place July 2-8, 2009, on a technology/science blog and included 625 comments. Participants debated the risks and benefits of acetaminophen, and most believed responsibility for taking medication safely falls on consumers. Some were implicitly aware of issues related to health literacy and its relationship to patient outcomes; most felt improved education is all that is needed, whereas others acknowledged that health information is confusing—particularly for the elderly and sick. Recommendations for future research into public perceptions of health literacy are discussed.

Communication Monographs, Dec 24, 2018

Journal of Health Psychology, Sep 30, 2015

There has been an increased usage of online cancer support groups as a resource for health-relate... more There has been an increased usage of online cancer support groups as a resource for health-related information and social support. This work analyzes message blog posts from an anonymous online support community to better understand issues related to gender and identity among female adolescent and young adults. This work sheds further light into the nuances of gender and identity issues including motherhood and reproductive issues, physical appearance, and romantic relationships. Specifically, findings reveal that female adolescent and young adults experience issues pertaining to infertility, feeling like a bad mom, hair loss, scarring, dating, and intimacy. These findings of this work offer further guidance about how healthcare providers and caregivers can attempt to meet the needs of female adolescent and young adults.

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Mar 31, 2021

Communication Education, Aug 12, 2016

Could teacher communication behaviors generally assumed to be positive ever be detrimental to stu... more Could teacher communication behaviors generally assumed to be positive ever be detrimental to students’ realization of particular outcomes? In this essay, we argue for increased scholarly attention to this question. We advocate a research agenda that explores the potential “downside”of teacher communication behaviors (TCBs); problematizing established TCBs in light of the National Communication Association’s Learning Outcomes in Communication (LOC)

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Apr 25, 2020

Cancer Causes & Control

Journal of Applied Communication Research, 2021

ABSTRACT Young adult (YA) cancer survivors often experience social isolation. Mobile apps facilit... more ABSTRACT Young adult (YA) cancer survivors often experience social isolation. Mobile apps facilitate peer-to-peer connections, yet little is known about their use. YA survivors (N = 181) were surveyed about a peer-to-peer cancer support app. Among those with it downloaded, 36% reported daily/weekly use. One-to-one messaging and group chat features were easy-to-use and useful, but facilitation of social presence was variable. Within group chats, 55% participated in discussions; 45% observed conversations without contributing. The app was helpful for convenient access to peer support (84%), particularly when offline social networks were inadequate (83%); some (16–25%) reported nervousness initiating connections. Qualitative feedback identified facilitators and barriers to adoption and sustained engagement. Recommendations centered on improving design and logistical factors and facilitating in-app connections. App-based peer support is promising for addressing social isolation among YA survivors. Future research should examine theory-based communication and design features to encourage meaningful engagement and longitudinal effects on psychosocial outcomes.

Health Communication, 2024

The most effective health communication builds from evidence-based best practices and theory. In ... more The most effective health communication builds from evidence-based best practices and theory. In practice, health campaigns rely on considerations often under-discussed in health communication, such as consistent agency-style client service, image management, and community coalition-building. Health outcome progress often requires change at multiple levels, from individual cognition and behavior to policy creation. These multi-level needs further highlight the importance of effective practical health communication supporting a range of outcomes and building toward replication. This article covers the complexities of building and implementing a theory-informed health communication structure for a multifaceted, place-based cancer prevention initiative. Part of the overall process includes detailing the internal communications of a health communication group, interorganizational communication, engaging community partner support, the message creation process, and longitudinal efforts on program maintenance and assessment. Furthermore, this article seeks to offer an example of the client service role a health communication team can play to combine theory, empirical message development, and community goals in whole community efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to share experiences from seven years of program work to help guide future community-based efforts in other health contexts and foster progress in theoretical and practical understandings of health communication.

Journal of adolescent and young adult oncology, May 31, 2023

Disease Management & Health Outcomes, 2007

Telemedicine and e-health includes the delivery of healthcare over a distance through the use of ... more Telemedicine and e-health includes the delivery of healthcare over a distance through the use of telecommunication technologies. One specific application is the use of `e-visits' within a clinical setting. e-Visits refer to any type of online patient-provider consultation where electronic information is exchanged, particularly involving the transmission via secure servers. Among many others, services such as patient portals and patient-provider

Global pediatric health, 2020

Research Square (Research Square), Jan 5, 2023

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Mar 29, 2017

Categorization of the needs of AYA cancer survivors is primarily based on quantitative analyses o... more Categorization of the needs of AYA cancer survivors is primarily based on quantitative analyses of epidemiological and observational research. The present study classified the phenomenological experiences of AYA survivors based on their own language. A systematic approach for selecting qualitative studies of unmet needs in AYA cancer survivors was used. Following selection based on quality, survivor statements were entered verbatim and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo qualitative research software. A total of 1993 AYA cancer survivors (post-treatment) were included in 58 studies (78% individual interviews). Mean age was 27.6 with an average of 8.6 years post-primary treatment. The organizational framework reported in this study was based on a heterogeneous group of cancer types. Thirteen themes including symptoms, function, reproductive health, emotional well-being, health management, health care system, social interaction, romantic relationships, cancer disclosure, normalcy, career development and employment, and school and fiscal concerns were identified. Forty-eight subthemes were also identified covering such areas as fertility, integrative health services, advice for cancer disclosure, family interaction, and insurance challenges. Direct analysis of text identified many common unmet needs similarly reported in the quantitative literature. The phenomenological data also provided a breakdown of unmet needs into subthemes or elements of unmet needs. This information can help form the basis for a personalized, valid, and reliable evaluation tool of the range of unmet needs in AYA survivors.

Qualitative Health Research, Oct 14, 2016

Cancer Causes & Control, Dec 1, 2018

Qualitative Health Research, Jul 25, 2011

Adults in the United States increasingly use the Internet for health information, and online disc... more Adults in the United States increasingly use the Internet for health information, and online discussions can provide insights into public perceptions of health issues. The purpose of this project was to investigate public perceptions of issues related to health literacy, within the context of a conversation about recommendations to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, driven by concerns about acetaminophen-related liver injuries due in part to health literacy issues. The discussion took place July 2-8, 2009, on a technology/science blog and included 625 comments. Participants debated the risks and benefits of acetaminophen, and most believed responsibility for taking medication safely falls on consumers. Some were implicitly aware of issues related to health literacy and its relationship to patient outcomes; most felt improved education is all that is needed, whereas others acknowledged that health information is confusing—particularly for the elderly and sick. Recommendations for future research into public perceptions of health literacy are discussed.

Communication Monographs, Dec 24, 2018

Journal of Health Psychology, Sep 30, 2015

There has been an increased usage of online cancer support groups as a resource for health-relate... more There has been an increased usage of online cancer support groups as a resource for health-related information and social support. This work analyzes message blog posts from an anonymous online support community to better understand issues related to gender and identity among female adolescent and young adults. This work sheds further light into the nuances of gender and identity issues including motherhood and reproductive issues, physical appearance, and romantic relationships. Specifically, findings reveal that female adolescent and young adults experience issues pertaining to infertility, feeling like a bad mom, hair loss, scarring, dating, and intimacy. These findings of this work offer further guidance about how healthcare providers and caregivers can attempt to meet the needs of female adolescent and young adults.

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Mar 31, 2021

Communication Education, Aug 12, 2016

Could teacher communication behaviors generally assumed to be positive ever be detrimental to stu... more Could teacher communication behaviors generally assumed to be positive ever be detrimental to students’ realization of particular outcomes? In this essay, we argue for increased scholarly attention to this question. We advocate a research agenda that explores the potential “downside”of teacher communication behaviors (TCBs); problematizing established TCBs in light of the National Communication Association’s Learning Outcomes in Communication (LOC)

Journal of Cancer Survivorship, Apr 25, 2020

Cancer Causes & Control

Journal of Applied Communication Research, 2021

ABSTRACT Young adult (YA) cancer survivors often experience social isolation. Mobile apps facilit... more ABSTRACT Young adult (YA) cancer survivors often experience social isolation. Mobile apps facilitate peer-to-peer connections, yet little is known about their use. YA survivors (N = 181) were surveyed about a peer-to-peer cancer support app. Among those with it downloaded, 36% reported daily/weekly use. One-to-one messaging and group chat features were easy-to-use and useful, but facilitation of social presence was variable. Within group chats, 55% participated in discussions; 45% observed conversations without contributing. The app was helpful for convenient access to peer support (84%), particularly when offline social networks were inadequate (83%); some (16–25%) reported nervousness initiating connections. Qualitative feedback identified facilitators and barriers to adoption and sustained engagement. Recommendations centered on improving design and logistical factors and facilitating in-app connections. App-based peer support is promising for addressing social isolation among YA survivors. Future research should examine theory-based communication and design features to encourage meaningful engagement and longitudinal effects on psychosocial outcomes.

Telemedicine and e-Health, Jan 1, 2011

Objective: As healthcare consumers increasingly use the Internet as a source for health informati... more Objective: As healthcare consumers increasingly use the Internet as a source for health information, direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug advertising online merits additional attention. The purpose of this research was to investigate media coverage of the joint marketing program linking the movie Happy Feet and the nonbranded disease education Web site FluFacts—a resource from Tamiflu flu treatment manufacturer Roche Laboratories Inc.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine articles (n¼29) were found covering the Happy Feet–FluFacts marketing campaign. A coding guide was developed to assess elements of the articles, including those common in the sample and information that ideally would be included in these articles. Two coders independently coded the articles, achieving intercoder agreement of k¼0.98 before resolving disagreements
to arrive at a final dataset.

Results: The majority of articles reported that Roche operated FluFacts (51.7%) and mentioned the product Tamiflu (58.6%). Almost half (48.3%) reported FluFacts was an educational resource; yet, no articles mentioned other antiviral medications or nonmedical options for preventing the flu. More than a quarter of the articles (24.1%) provided a call to action—telling readers to visit FluFacts or providing a link for them to do so.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that journalists’ coverage
of this novel campaign—likely one of the goals of the campaign—helped spread the message of the Happy Feet–FluFacts
relationship, often omitting other useful health information. Additional research is needed to better understand online DTC campaigns and how consumers react to these campaigns and resulting media coverage and to inform.

Social network sites (SNSs) like Twitter continue to attract users, many of whom turn to these sp... more Social network sites (SNSs) like Twitter continue to attract users, many of whom turn to these spaces for social support for serious illnesses like cancer. Building on literature that explored the functionality of online spaces for health-related social support, we propose a typology that situates this type of support in an SNS-based open cancer community based on the type (informational or emotional) and the direction (expression or reception) of support. A content analysis applied the typology to a 2-year span of Twitter messages using the popular hashtag “#stupidcancer.” Given that emotions form the basis for much of human communication and behavior, including aspects of social support, this content analysis also examined the relationship between emotional expression and online social support in tweets about cancer. Furthermore, this study looked at the various ways in which Twitter allows for message sharing across a user’s entire network (not just among the cancer community). This work thus begins to lay the conceptual and empirical groundwork for future research testing the effects of various types of social support in open, interactive online cancer communities.