Abstract
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and it is recommended that all homes be tested for radon. Written surveys completed by 692 patients at two primary care clinics in the Minneapolis, MN, area revealed that only 24.7 % had ever tested their home. Testing rate was higher with greater income and education level and in homes without someone who smokes. Of participants whose homes had not been tested, 250 were enrolled in an intervention that included printed information on radon, a coupon for a discounted testing kit, and encouragement by their primary care provider to test. Follow-up indicated minimal effect of this intervention, with only 14.4 % of these participants testing during the ensuing year. Future studies should assess a stronger intervention, perhaps over multiple visits, and providing test kits on site. Targeting patients who smoke may be an effective use of resources.
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Acknowledgements
This project was funded by a State Indoor Radon Grant from the Minnesota Department of Health to Park Nicollet Institute and by Park Nicollet Foundation. Shawn Price of AirChek provided radon test results. Phayvanh Phithaksounthone and Marisol Grau assisted with patient enrollment. Donald Pine, MD, and Charles Murray, MD, provided helpful comments on the manuscript. We thank the primary care providers who counseled participants on radon.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Nissen, M.J., Leach, J.W., Nissen, J.A. et al. Radon Testing and Mitigation: An Intervention in a Primary Care Setting. J Canc Educ 27, 566–572 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-012-0346-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-012-0346-z