Charlye D. Majett, MBA¹, Daniel Blumenthal, MD, MPH², Selina A. Smith, MS, PhD², Ernest Alema-Mensah, MS, DMin³, and Lee S. Caplan, MD, PhD⁴. (1) Community Health & Preventive Medicine/Prevention Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, Atlanta, GA 30310, (404)756-6674, Ctaylor@msm.edu, (2) Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, S.W, Atlanta, GA 30310, (3) Program for Healthcare Effectiveness Research, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, (4) Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Background: African Americans are disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer (CRC) with screening rates lagging behind those for whites; factors contributing to this are not known, nor are approaches to eliminating those disparities.

Purpose of Study: To determine (1) whether education will improve knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding CRC screening and (2) whether reducing the financial barrier will increase screening rates in African Americans.

Theoretical Approach: The interventions include elements of Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model.

Methods:

•Sample selection: Randomization of 500 African Americans (both genders, age 50 plus), to one of four groups. The groups consist of three interventions: one-on-one education, small group education, financial incentives (compensation for out-of-pocket screening expenses) and control.

•Measures and/or techniques: Questionnaires to determine knowledge, attitudes and beliefs as well as psychosocial parameters (Rosenberg Self Esteem, Perceived Stress & Social Support); screening behavior in the three-month follow-up period.

•Quantitative analysis: Tests are done using the intent to treat principle. The chi-square test for categorical data and t-test for continuous data are used to test for the comparability of the dependent variables between groups.

Results: Preliminary results suggest increased screening in the intervention groups relative to the control group.

Implications: If the preliminary results are borne out, the study will provide relatively simple models that can be utilized by health educators and health care systems to increase screening rates among African Americans. Additional benefit will be realized from determining a strategy for increasing participation rates among African Americans in community intervention trials.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn various recruitment and retention strategies in community and clinical settings.
• Compare and contrast varying recruitment strategies across community and clinical settings.
• Identify barriers to participation in clinical trials.
• Develop publicity strategies that maximize the participation of African Americans in clinical trials.
• Determine the recruitment strategy that enhances probability of successful outcomes in the African American community.

Keywords: Health Education, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Morehouse School of Medicine
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.