Objectives: This study sought to characterize primary sources of behavioral health research and dissemination preferences of state legislators and assess differences by political party.
Methods: A 2017 cross-sectional survey of state legislators (N=475) assessed where legislators seek, and the most important features of, behavioral health research. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were conducted.
Results: Advocacy organizations (53%), legislative staff (51%), and state agencies (48%) were identified most frequently as sources of behavioral health research. Universities were identified by significantly more Democrats than Republicans (34% versus 19%; adjusted odds ratio=1.79). Data about budget impact and cost-effectiveness were most frequently rated as very important, but by significantly fewer Democrats than Republicans (77% versus 87% and 76% versus 89%, respectively).
Conclusions: To reach legislators and satisfy their information preferences, behavioral health researchers should target diverse audiences, partner with intermediary organizations, and craft messages that include economic evaluation data.
Keywords: Dissemination; Legislators; Politics; Public policy issues; Research use.