S526 Day 1 Versus Day 2 Public Engagement With a Giant Colon Model to Raise Colorectal Cancer Awareness in a Rural Health Fair

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening via colonoscopy is widely recommended. However, rural communities have low response rates to CRC screening due to gaps in awareness. It is vital to engage and educate rural communities about CRC while optimizing healthcare resources. In this study, we evaluated the public participation of CRC awareness on Day 1 versus Day 2 utilizing a giant colon model in a small rural community. Methods: This study was conducted in the rural community of Denison, Texas (population 24,000) on the Texas-Oklahoma border. During a 2-day health fair, a giant inflatable colon model was displayed for public viewing, education, and engagement. This model allowed visualization of colonic pathologies including CRC and colon polyps. Attendees could participate at 3 levels of engagement: a booth visit, a walk-through of the model, and inquiry for additional information (pamphlet, QR code scanning, business card, website, etc.). A member of the research team was present to record the levels of engagement as well as offer additional information about CRC screening on both Day 1 and Day 2. Data regarding booth visits, walk-throughs, and additional information were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The 3 engagement variables were compared between Day 1 and Day 2 using a 95% confidence interval t-test. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 706 individuals visited the colon model booth, including 504 (71.39%) on Day 1 and 202 (28.61%) on Day 2 (change of -59.92%, P < 0.0001). A total of 368 individuals walked through the model, including 269 (73.10%) on Day 1 and 99 (26.90%) on Day 2 (change of -63.20%, P < 0.0001). A total of 218 individuals inquired for additional information, including 155 (71.10%) on Day 1 and 63 (28.90%) on Day 2 (change of -59.35%, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The giant colon model generated considerable interest in CRC awareness at a health fair in a rural community on the Texas-Oklahoma border. However, there was a significant decline in public engagement from Day 1 to Day 2. A giant inflatable colon exhibition should be limited to one exclusive day at a rural health fair to achieve impactful public engagement while optimizing healthcare resource utilization.