Evaluating the ability of visual images to inform college women about the link between smoking and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and to motivate quitting: critical dimensions.

BACKGROUND: Because cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN, or dysplasia) is associated with behavioral factors, health education is an important part of the care of patients at risk for this disease. Smoking, which is strongly associated with CIN and cancers, is particularly important because smoking cessation, even after the onset of CIN, improves outcomes. This study is part of an effort to identify effective ways to convey information about the association between smoking and CIN to at-risk women.

METHODS: We created 8 images to systematically incorporate a range of artistic approaches to inform viewers about the relationship between smoking and CIN. College women smokers were recruited to participate. Participants rated the images on the extent to which they attracted attention and motivated smoking cessation.

RESULTS: Significant differences were identified in the response of this population to visual images differing in content and style. Informative images were more compelling than those that were emotive.

CONCLUSIONS: Further exploration is warranted to improve our understanding of how visual forms of health education can impact smoking cessation by those at risk for cervical cancer.