Tables Tables 1-5 Table 1. Awareness and Knowledge as Elements of Heart-Health Promotion Strengths Limitations Programs or messages that increase awareness and knowledge may be all that some segments of the target population are ready to attend or receive. Studies and surveys suggest that many respondents already have a high level of awareness and knowledge but lack the skills for or need additional information on how to make behavioral changes. Increased awareness and knowledge is often a necessary first step before behavioral change. Awareness and knowledge are universally perceived as insufficient for promotion and maintenance of long-term behavioral change.
People are motivated and helped to change their behaviors.
Lack of impact on many population segments limits benefit. Changes in awareness and knowledge can be relatively easy to measure. Documented changes in awareness and knowledge do not ensure that risk factors or disease rates will change. It is relatively easy to reach large numbers of people. Readiness to learn can change over time and vary across situations and behaviors.