Comparing Communication Methods to Increase Radon Knowledge and Home Testing: A Randomized Controlled Trial in a...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention

Background:

• Residential radon exposure is a significant, preventable cause of cancer.
• Low home testing rates hinder radon-related cancer prevention efforts.
• Printed brochures may be ineffective in motivating radon test completion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a smartphone application versus traditional brochures in motivating homeowners to test for residential radon.
• To evaluate the impact of a radon app on radon knowledge, attitudes, and testing behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial compared a radon app to printed brochures among 116 homeowners in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
• Cognitive and behavioral endpoints were measured, including radon knowledge, attitudes, test requests, and test returns.
• Data were analyzed using general linear models and logistic regression, controlling for income.

Main Results:

• Both app and brochure users showed significant increases in radon knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and self-efficacy.
• App users were three times more likely to request a free radon test than brochure users.
• Contrary to expectations, app users were 70% less likely to return the radon test kit to the lab.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone applications are superior in prompting initial requests for radon testing.
• The physical nature of brochures may be more effective in encouraging the return of radon test kits, potentially serving as reminders.
• Future interventions should consider integrating digital tools with physical components to optimize radon testing completion rates.