Using a Cross-sectional Partnership to Improve Prevention and Health Equity Among African Americans

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are addressing racial disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) by focusing on African Americans aged 45 to 75, who face higher CRC incidence and mortality and lower screening rates. The study aims to improve CRC screening by partnering with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to recruit 1,200 African American participants during their DMV visits. The research compares two approaches to increase screening: on-site distribution of Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kits and on-site distribution combined with targeted social media advertising. Participants will receive a free FIT kit with a prepaid return envelope, a culturally tailored educational brochure, reminder text messages, and phone calls. The social media group will see targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube from August to October 2024. Participants return kits to a Nebraska Medicine lab, and results are mailed within 14 to 21 days. For those with positive results or lacking insurance or a primary care provider, a health navigator provides help with scheduling follow-up colonoscopies and accessing financial support. Throughout the study, participants provide demographic and screening information via surveys. Researchers measure FIT kit return rates, positive test rates, and follow-up colonoscopy completion rates, comparing the two groups while considering factors like age, gender, income, and health beliefs. Participants' perceptions about screening are also gathered through an online survey. The study runs until October 2026, with ongoing monitoring of screening completion and follow-up outcomes.

A Cross-sectional Partnership to Improve Prevention and Health Equity Among African Americans