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. 2010;2(1):2893.
doi: 10.5210/ojphi.v2i1.2893. Epub 2010 Apr 9.

Application of geographic information systems and asset mapping to facilitate identification of colorectal cancer screening resources

Clement Kudzai Gwede  1 , Beverly G Ward, John S Luque, Susan T Vadaparampil, Desiree Rivers, Dinorah Martinez-Tyson, Shalewa Noel-Thomas, Cathy D Meade
Affiliations

Application of geographic information systems and asset mapping to facilitate identification of colorectal cancer screening resources

Clement Kudzai Gwede et al. Online J Public Health Inform. 2010.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to identify and map the geographic distribution of available colorectal cancer screening resources; following identification of this priority within a needs assessment of a local community-academic collaborative to reduce cancer health disparities in medically underserved communities.

Methods: We used geographic information systems (GIS) and asset mapping tools to visually depict resources in the context of geography and a population of interest. We illustrate two examples, offer step-by-step directions for mapping, and discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and future directions for research and practice.

Results: Our positive asset driven, community-based approach illustrated the distribution of existing colonoscopy screening facilities and locations of populations and organizations who might use these resources. A need for additional affordable and accessible colonoscopy resources was identified.

Conclusion: These transdisciplinary community mapping efforts highlight the benefit of innovative community-academic partnerships for addressing cancer health disparities by bolstering infrastructure and community capacity-building for increased access to colonoscopies.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Black population, TBCCN community partners, and hospitals/facilities in three Florida Counties (Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Colonoscopy hospital/facilities Google™ assets, Hillsborough County
Figure 3
Figure 3
Enrollment to a TBCCN pilot study of three ethnic subgroups of Blacks, Hillsborough County
Figure 4
Figure 4
Black population by ethnic subgroups and age 35 years and older, Hillsborough County
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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