Development and evaluation of a risk-communication campaign on salmonellosis

Risk-communication campaigns are important means of promoting food safety. Although foodborne diseases are a widespread public-health problem, in Italy few communication campaigns have focused on such diseases. In 2007, we launched a public risk-communication campaign on salmonellosis. The initiative, based on communication theory, included a formative research, aimed to outline key aspects for campaign's development, and an impact evaluation survey. The campaign was found effective in terms of target penetration and measurable learning outcomes. Results confirm that risk-communication campaigns on microbial infections can be successful when based on rigorous methodology, including a systematic evaluation process. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.