ANGLERS ’ PERCEPTIONS ABOUT PCB-CONTAMINANT RISKS FROM

ABSTRACT: Presentation format can influence the extent to which target audiences understand and respond to risk-related information. This study surveyed a convenience sample of 153 sports anglers within the setting of three Illinois state parks located in Lake County and McHenry County. A two-part written questionnaire was used to collect data from across all three sites. Responses were analyzed for: 1) sociodemographic information (age, sex, race, income bracket, level of education), and 2) for subjects ’ fishing patterns (consumption of fish, whether households of concern were included in subjects ’ fish meals, type of fish eaten, and cooking methods). In addition, the subjects ’ responses to four message pairs were also examined. These message pairs varied by (a) reading level, (b) use of diagrams vs. text, (c) commanding versus persuasive tone, and (d) use of qualitative vs. quantitative information as printed in fish consumption health advisory bulletins. Health advisory information is disseminated in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing regulation booklets. A risk communication planning model was used as an evaluation framework. Comparisons of specific formats were evaluated by chi square analysis of variance to determine if a variety of styles are required to meet the needs of anglers for any of the four pairs of format types examined. The fish consumption health advisory may not be reaching two sensitive subpopulations, women of childbearing age and children, referred to as “households of concern”. The health advisory might be improved with additional information on risk-reducing cooking and cleaning methods and by diversifying the disseminatio