S623 Language and Messaging: Engaging Non-English Speakers in Colon Cancer Prevention Using Health Fair Posters

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) disproportionately affects marginalized communities in the US, including racial minorities, those of lower socioeconomic status, and non-English speakers. Non-English speakers have significantly lower rates of CRC screening in the US. Poster messaging and information provided in patients’ preferred language have been reported to improve adherence to medical recommendations. This study evaluated preferences for health messaging at a community health fair. Methods: University health care providers (HCPs) and an urban community center available to Spanish-speaking immigrants collaboratively planned a health fair to improve CRC awareness and encourage screening. Educational brochures and posters in English and Spanish on CRC and screening were available. Poster 1 had a plain white background with 3 facts about CRC and prevention. Poster 2 had a blue background with a cartoon physician, and a brief description of 6 CRC screening methods. Both of the posters had a Spanish translation. Participants completed an anonymous survey that included demographics, preferred language and preference for informational format. Statistical analysis was completed using Fisher Exact Test with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: All 54 health fair participants (27 male, 26 female, 1 did not report gender) completed the survey. Twenty-five (46.3%) identified as Black, twenty (37%) Hispanic, six (11.1%) White, one Asian (1.9%) and two (3.7%) did not report race/ethnicity. Thirty-three (61%) stated that English and sixteen (29%) stated the Spanish was their primary language. Forty-three (80%) surveys were completed in English and eleven (20%) in Spanish. Posters compared to brochures were the preferred method for CRC messaging (n = 42 vs n = 5, respectively; P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference between participants’ primary language and educational material preference. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001) in the preference for Poster 1 (n = 32; 68.1%) compared to Poster 2 (n = 10; 21.3%). Hispanics preferred educational materials in Spanish (P < 0.00001) and Spanish-speaking HCP (P < 0.00001). Conclusion: The use of educational materials and effective messaging can be a powerful tool in raising awareness and increasing prevention of CRC. This study emphasizes the need for both effective messaging through the use of eye-catching posters, as well as the need for language inclusivity with educational posters and brochures. Language preference communication may be a factor in addressing CRC screening disparities.