How to Increase Mammogram Screening Rates Among Disadvantaged Populations: The Use of Computer Kiosks

Poor access to breast cancer screening may be one cause of widening Black-White disparities in breast cancer mortality (RR=1.62, 2005-07). Building on the successs of traditional patient navigation programs, community navigation aims to reach women who are most at-risk where they live. In May 2011, Helping Her Live launched two breast health (BH) kiosks in our 2 Chicago target communities. The kiosks have been placed in a church, two medical facilities, a grocery store, and a Walgreens pharmacy. The kiosk provides a touch-screen BH assessment and prints a tailored BH magazine with project information, encouraging users to contact the project hotline for assistance obtaining BH services. Between May and November 2011, the kiosks generated 633 uses. Forty-nine percent of users were 40 or above; 51% were Black, 19% Mexican and 3% Puerto Rican; 68% were either un- or under-insured; and 48% had not had a mammogram within the last 2 years (among women 40+). In an effort to better understand how to maximize the effectiveness of the kiosk, we staffed the kiosk with Community Health Workers (CHWs) for two 3-hour slots on four different days (11-2 and 2-5). Kiosk usage increased drastically when a CHW was present, as did the number of women enrolling in services.Educational kiosks can provide an effective means for reaching at-risk women where they are and making services available to them. Kiosks present their own set of challenges which will be discussed at length.