Coggin, Claudia2019-08-222019-08-222002-05-012013-11-20https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12503/25892Biggs, Quinn M., B.A., The Effects of Verbal, General, and Tailored Messages on Participation in a Psychiatric Chemical Dependency Aftercare Program. Masters of Public Health (Health Behavior), May 2002, 51 pp., 1 table, references, 25 titles. Chemical dependency is a major problem in the United States. Treatment programs are often short-term, relapse rates are high, and continued support is vital for sobriety. Aftercare programs provide continued support, but information encouraging attendance must be effective. Tailored vs. non-tailored health information has been found influential for behavioral change. This study determined the effectiveness of verbal, general, and tailored messages on participation in an aftercare program. Adult patients (N=193) of a psychiatric chemical dependency treatment program were recruited at the time of discharge. Follow up included phone survey and aftercare attendance records. Contrary to hypothesis, there were no significant differences in initial aftercare attendance, recall of aftercare information, or usefulness of information. However, tailored message recipients were significantly more likely to find aftercare interesting, and effect sizes indicated that tailored message recipients found aftercare more helpful and participants were more likely to return to aftercare.application/pdfenCommunity Health and Preventive MedicineHealth and Medical AdministrationHealth Services AdministrationHealth Services ResearchMedicine and Health SciencesOther Public HealthOther Rehabilitation and TherapyPublic HealthPublic Health Education and PromotionRehabilitation and TherapySubstance Abuse and AddictionVerbalgeneraltailored messagesparticipationpsychiatric chemical dependencyaftercare programUnited Stateshealth informationoutreachThesis