A Qualitative Study of Health Fairs to Increase Cancer Screening in the U.S. From Key Informant Interviews

Abstract

Screening for the early detection of cancer is effective in decreasing morbidity and mortality, healthcare costs, and disability in the United States. Results from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey indicate that cancer screening rates among the general population are still well below Healthy People 2020 targets. Health fairs are one of the most recognizable methods for community-based health promotion. Due to their frequency, impact and reach, health fairs are of interest in the promotion of screening. We examined the use of health fairs to increase breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening in community-based settings in the U.S. Health fair coordinators were recruited and interviewed by phone from July to September 2012. We used a 72 question interview guide to collect data on health fair goals, activities, costs, and outcomes. Fourteen health fair coordinators completed the interview. Seven of the health fairs focused only on breast cancer (50%), 3 (21.4%) on colorectal cancer, 3 (21.4%) on breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, and 1 (7.1%) on breast and cervical cancer. About 80% of the health fairs partnered with hospital or clinics. Overall, the coordinators used of a combination of two or more of the following activities: booths/fair (78.6%), presentations/ lectures (50%), meal/snack (50%), screening/ referral (50%), give away/ raffle (42.9%), media/entertainment (21.4%). Health fair activities were categorized into Community Guide for Preventive Services recommended interventions to promote screening: small media (100%), one-onone education (92.9%), reducing structural barriers (92.9%), group education (57.1%), and reducing out of pocket costs (64.3%). Screening outcomes varied widely with most health fairs resulting in 30-45 screenings. Three separate case studies of health fairs held in the U.S. between 2010 and 2012 are presented. With the dearth of literature on using health fairs to increase cancer screenings, this study provides important information on the implementation, reach, and impact of health fairs in increasing breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening.