Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Black Men in Virginia: Development of an mHealth Intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Disparities
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death for Black men in the U.S.
• Black men exhibit the lowest CRC screening participation rates, leading to later diagnoses and higher mortality.
• Few interventions are specifically tailored to address CRC screening barriers in Black men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate formative research into a culturally tailored mobile health (mHealth) intervention for CRC screening in Black men.
• To address specific barriers identified through community input and preliminary data.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Behavioral Design Thinking and translational science principles.
• Incorporated data from empirical literature, a community advisory board of Black men, and preliminary survey results (n=98).
• Developed a prototype mHealth app with tailored content, including videos and direct navigation to local clinics.

Main Results:

• Community advisory board highlighted needs for private, self-paced, accessible delivery and content addressing medical mistrust and access delays.
• Surveyed men (average age 59) showed high healthcare mistrust; 25% hadn't seen a doctor in 12 months, and significant percentages had never undergone CRC screening.
• Partnerships were formed with Federally Qualified Health Centers to facilitate direct connections to clinical care.

Conclusions:

• A prototype mHealth app was created, optimized for mobile use with video and messaging features.
• Intervention content and delivery were directly informed by research findings, addressing identified barriers.
• The intervention provides tailored feedback and navigation to local clinics, aiming to increase CRC screening uptake.