A Meta-Analytic Review of Communication Campaigns to Promote Organ Donation

Abstract

The current study, using random-effects meta-analysis, provides a review of communication campaigns designed to promote organ donation. Findings across 23 campaigns indicate an overall 5% increase in study outcomes (e.g., registry signing) compared to control groups (k = 23, N = 6,647,801). Several moderators were tested including publication bias, target audience, and type of campaign. Statistically significant differences were not found for any of the moderator factors tested. Results are discussed in terms of future campaigns designed to promote organ donation.

Keywords:

• Communication Research Methodology
• Health Communication
• Mass Media

Notes

Note. Coding Information. Column 1 codes refer to level of campaign exposure: (1) moderate to high exposure, (2) low exposure, and (3) exposure unknown. Column 2 refers to publication bias: (1) published study, and (2) unpublished study. Column 3 refers to target group of campaign: (1) minority group target, and (2) general population. Column 4 refers to type of campaign: (1) media-only campaign, (2) media & interpersonal campaign, and (3) interpersonal-only campaign.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thomas Hugh Feeley

Thomas Hugh Feeley is Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in the Department of Communication at the University of Buffalo.

Shin-Il Moon

Shin-Il Moon is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of Buffalo.