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. 2024 Sep 5:21:E68.
doi: 10.5888/pcd21.240020.

Effect of an Inflatable Colon on Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Screening Intent Among Male Attendees at State Fairs in Two Midwestern States, 2023

Ami E Sedani  1 , Kelly K Rifelj  2 , Malcolm S Bevel  3 , Cordero McCall  2   4 , Mckenzi Rogalla  2 , Lisa Laliberte  5 , Kiara Ellis  6 , Rebekah J Pratt  7 , Charles R Rogers  2
Affiliations

Effect of an Inflatable Colon on Colorectal Cancer Knowledge and Screening Intent Among Male Attendees at State Fairs in Two Midwestern States, 2023

Ami E Sedani et al. Prev Chronic Dis. .

Abstract

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most-diagnosed cancer among men and women in the US. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an interactive inflatable colon exhibit on CRC knowledge and screening intent among men attending state fairs in 2 midwestern states.

Methods: At the 2023 state fairs in 2 midwestern states, eligible participants (men aged 18-75 y who could speak and read English and resided in 1 of the 2 states) completed a presurvey, an unguided tour of the inflatable Super Colon, and a postsurvey. Primary outcomes were changes in knowledge (actual and perceived) and CRC screening intent from presurvey to postsurvey. We used χ2 tests to examine differences in survey results between the 2 sites and the association between demographic characteristics and behaviors (knowledge and intentions) before entering the Super Colon exhibit. We used the McNemar test to examine differences in presurvey to postsurvey distributions.

Results: The study sample (N = 940) comprised 572 men at site A (60.8%) and 368 men at site B (39.2%). Except for 1 question, baseline CRC knowledge was relatively high. Greater perceived knowledge was inversely associated with greater actual knowledge. After touring the Super Colon, participants improved their actual knowledge of CRC prevention and self-perceived CRC knowledge. Most participants (95.4%) agreed that the Super Colon was effective for teaching people about CRC.

Conclusion: These findings emphasize the role of community-based educational initiatives in encouraging CRC screening uptake and increasing research participation among men and affirm that the inflatable colon is as an effective educational tool for increasing CRC knowledge and encouraging early-detection screening behavior among men.

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Figure
Flowchart showing how men aged 18 to 75 years were selected to participate in a study of colorectal screening knowledge and intent at state fairs in 2 midwestern states, 2023.
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