P3849 - Engaging Community Members in the Development of Colorectal Cancer Screening Messaging: Evaluation of Health Fair Posters

Puja Sasankan, BS¹, Ivan Berezowski, MD¹, Anosha Baig, BS², Reid Schalet, DO¹, Zeina Bani Hani, MBBS¹, Katherine Rangoussis, BS, MS¹, Maanvi Vij, BS¹, Omar K. Abu-Ghannam, BS¹, Al-Hafis O. Adegun, BA³, Carol Gergis, MD, MS¹, Mrudula Bandaru, MD¹, Ankit Patel, MD⁴, Marie L.. Borum, MD, MPH, FACG^1
1George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC; ²GW MFA, Washington, DC; ³George Washington University Hospital, Burtonsville, MD; ⁴The George Washington University, Washington, DC

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. African-Americans are disproportionately affected when compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Screening is the most effective way to reduce CRC risk. Health posters can improve knowledge and subsequent engagement in CRC screening decision making. This study evaluated the effectiveness of different CRC screening posters at a community health fair to provide a basis for future health messaging.

Methods: Health fair participants (HFPs) completed an anonymous survey that obtained demographics and rated the effectiveness of 3 posters promoting CRC screening (Figure 1). The 3 posters varied in design and complexity of information. A medical expert was available to answer HFPs’ questions.

- Poster 1: plain white background with 3 simple facts

- Poster 2: pale blue background with 4 sections describing CRC statistics with a cartoon of physician researcher, risks, age of screening, symptoms and cartoon depiction of CRC stages

- Poster 3: blue background, detailed description of screening options with a cartoon of a colonoscopy procedure

HFPs were advised to rate the posters on a 1-5 scale (least to most informative) with an option for comments. Ratings were obtained and qualitative responses were thematically categorized. Statistical analysis was performed using a t-test with significance set at p< 0.05.

Results: 59 of 61 (96.7%) HFPs completed the survey. There were 43 women (42 African American, 1 white) and 16 African American men. 46 of 59 (78%; 34 women, 12 men) indicated that the posters were effective tools to promote CRC screening. Poster 1 (mean rating = 3.67; p=0.048) and Poster 3 (3.69; p=0.031) received a statistically significant higher mean rating than Poster 2 (3.31; p=0.907). Qualitative responses noted that poster 1 was considered most effective based upon simple design and straightforward delivery of facts. Poster 2 was visually appearing, but information on Poster 2 and Poster 3 was considered too detailed. There was no difference in the ratings of poster effectiveness based on HFPs’ gender.

Discussion: This study supports the hypothesis that visual elements and poster simplicity can have a role in promoting health information. The results underscore the need for clear, impactful and tailored health communication strategies. Engaging community members in developing health messaging can improve CRC screening outreach.


Disclosures:


Puja Sasankan, BS¹, Ivan Berezowski, MD¹, Anosha Baig, BS², Reid Schalet, DO¹, Zeina Bani Hani, MBBS¹, Katherine Rangoussis, BS, MS¹, Maanvi Vij, BS¹, Omar K. Abu-Ghannam, BS¹, Al-Hafis O. Adegun, BA³, Carol Gergis, MD, MS¹, Mrudula Bandaru, MD¹, Ankit Patel, MD⁴, Marie L.. Borum, MD, MPH, FACG¹. P3849 - Engaging Community Members in the Development of Colorectal Cancer Screening Messaging: Evaluation of Health Fair Posters, ACG 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts. Philadelphia, PA: American College of Gastroenterology.