Use of GIS to identify optimal settings for cancer prevention and control in African American communities

ObjectiveRarely have Geographic Information Systems (GIS) been used to inform community-based outreach and intervention planning. This study sought to identify community settings most likely to reach individuals from geographically localized areas.MethodAn observational study conducted in an urban city in Missouri during 2003–2007 placed computerized breast cancer education kiosks in seven types of community settings: beauty salons, churches, health fairs, neighborhood health centers, Laundromats, public libraries and social service agencies. We used GIS to measure distance between kiosk users' (n = 7297) home ZIP codes and the location where they used the kiosk. Mean distances were compared across settings.ResultsMean distance between individuals' home ZIP codes and the location where they used the kiosk varied significantly (p < 0.001) across settings. The distance was shortest among kiosk users in Laundromats (2.3 mi) and public libraries (2.8 mi) and greatest among kiosk users at health fairs (7.6 mi).ConclusionSome community settings are more likely than others to reach highly localized populations. A better understanding of how and where to reach specific populations can complement the progress already being made in identifying populations at increased disease risk.