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Home Radon Testing in Rural Appalachia.
Stacy R Stanifer1,2, Mary Kay Rayens1,3, Amanda Wiggins1
1College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
Summary
Older adults in rural Appalachia were more likely to complete home radon testing when offered a free kit. This highlights the potential of primary care settings to increase radon testing and reduce lung cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- Radon exposure is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, particularly in rural areas.
- Understanding factors influencing radon testing is crucial for public health interventions.
- Appalachia has a high lung cancer burden, potentially linked to environmental factors like radon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare characteristics of rural Appalachia residents who completed home radon testing versus those who did not.
- To examine the association between the Teachable Moment Model and home radon testing.
- To assess the effectiveness of offering free radon test kits in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory correlational design with a convenience sample (N=58) from rural Kentucky primary care clinics.
- Participants received a free long-term home radon test kit and completed a survey.
- Multiple logistic regression analyzed factors associated with home radon testing completion.
Main Results:
- 48% of participants completed home radon testing.
- No significant differences in lung cancer risk perception or worry were found between testers and non-testers.
- Age was the only significant predictor; older participants were more likely to test their homes for radon.
Conclusions:
- Free home radon test kits distributed in primary care settings show promise for increasing testing rates in rural Appalachia.
- Healthcare providers should encourage radon testing for all patients, especially in high-risk areas.
- Prompt radon testing is vital for mitigating lung cancer risk associated with prolonged exposure.
