A fish consumption study of anglers in an at-risk community: A community-based participatory approach to risk reduction

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a community-partnered risk communication intervention tailored for subsistence anglers in a public housing community. Design and sample: A one group, pretest, posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention in a sample (n=23, age range 18-75 years, 100% African American) of subsistence anglers residing in a public housing community in close proximity to a Superfund clean-up site. Face-to-face surveys were conducted at baseline and 3 months post the intervention to assess changes in knowledge and behaviors. Intervention: A socioculturally appropriate risk communication intervention was developed, implemented, and evaluated in the targeted community. The risk communication included an interactive power point presentation, visual demonstration by a role model, and distribution of low literacy written materials, followed by a booster mailing of materials 1 month past the initial intervention. Evaluation measures included survey instruments on knowledge and self-reported fishing behaviors. Results: Participants showed improved knowledge and behavior change related to trimming fish, consumption by pregnant women and children, and consumption of large fish. Conclusions: The sociocultured tailored risk communication intervention demonstrated promising outcomes in this community and should be evaluated in a larger population of subsistence anglers. © 2008, Medical College of Georgia.