Developing a computer touch-screen interactive colorectal screening decision aid for a low-literacy African American...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Health Disparities

Background:

• African Americans experience higher colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality compared to White Americans.
• Lower CRC screening rates in African Americans contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.
• Low literacy rates exacerbate the burden of CRC in this population, necessitating tailored interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a culturally and literacy-appropriate computer-based decision aid for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
• To address disparities in CRC screening among low-literacy African American populations.
• To enhance informed decision-making regarding colonoscopy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized perceptual mapping and message vector modeling to develop key messages for the decision aid.
• Modified an existing CRC screening tutorial with tailored messages.
• Delivered the decision aid via a low-literacy computer touch-screen interface.
• Compared willingness for colonoscopy between users of the decision aid and a usual care group.

Main Results:

• Users reported increased comfort with the touch-screen technology.
• Participants using the decision aid showed significantly greater willingness to undergo colonoscopy compared to the usual care group.
• The study highlights the effectiveness of participant involvement in intervention planning.

Conclusions:

• Innovative marketing methods like perceptual mapping and message vector modeling can effectively tailor health messages.
• Computer touch-screen decision aids are effective tools for increasing CRC screening attitudes in low-literacy populations.
• Culturally and literacy-appropriate interventions are crucial for reducing health disparities in cancer screening.