Increasing colonoscopy rates among Native Americans using digital outreach.
Official title: Improving Rates of Diagnostic Colonoscopy in Native Americans through a Culturally Sensitive Digital Outreach Intervention
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10843624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help Native Americans in Oklahoma get better access to colorectal cancer screenings by using friendly text messages and videos that share personal stories, making it easier for them to schedule important follow-up tests after home stool tests show something unusual.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $397,045 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA281135-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Native Americans in Oklahoma who have received an abnormal result from a home stool screening test.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Native American or those who have not undergone home stool screening tests may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve colorectal cancer screening rates among Native Americans in Oklahoma by developing and testing culturally sensitive digital outreach interventions. The project will utilize mobile health technologies, including SMS text messages and videos featuring personal narratives from Native American patients and respected community members, to motivate individuals to schedule necessary diagnostic colonoscopies after abnormal home stool tests. By addressing cultural barriers and providing tailored information, the study seeks to enhance follow-up care and reduce disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased rates of timely diagnostic colonoscopy, ultimately reducing colorectal cancer mortality among Native Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that culturally tailored interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in minority populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neil, Jordan — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Neil, Jordan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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This project tests whether one-on-one patient navigation helps adults in rural, low-income communities complete a colonoscopy after a positive stool (FIT) test.
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Helping people complete colonoscopy after an abnormal stool test
This project uses team-based care and technology to help people with an abnormal at-home stool test (FIT) finish their follow-up colonoscopy.
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Helping people get recommended follow-up colonoscopies after high-risk colon polyps
This program uses electronic records and automated reminders to help patients and doctors complete the recommended three-year follow-up colonoscopy after high-risk colorectal polyps.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.