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

Objective: Rarely 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. Method: An 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. Results: Mean 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). Conclusion: Some 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.