Culturally Responsive Exposure Report-Back: Improving Risk Communication

Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center 

Clear and effective communication is the vital link between industrial hygienists' expertise and the protection of health. Exposure data can guide people's daily behaviors and motivate health-protective actions, but it is valuable only when presented in an accessible and appropriate manner. Many current report-back approaches are not culturally informed or audience-centered, creating a critical gap. This study aimed to develop culturally informed report-back strategies regarding environmental exposure for rural Native American participants. This was accomplished through listening sessions, questionnaires, and focus groups with community members to evaluate prior report-back methods for indoor particulate matter (PM) and radon and to refine report-back strategies across key areas. By actively engaging the community and incorporating cultural perspectives, the goal was to create a report-back strategy that effectively communicates exposure information and promotes enduring changes in behavior, environment, and health outcomes.

D. Sleeth, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
T. Benny, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
S. Collingwood, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
J. Giese, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
T. Rock, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
M. Crookston, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
S. Babits, Northern Arapaho Natural Resource Office, Arapaho, WY, USA
D. Goggles, Northern Arapaho Natural Resource Office, Arapaho, WY, USA
T. Denego, Northern Arapaho Natural Resource Office, Arapaho, WY, USA 

None 

Environmental protection and monitoring

Exposure Assessment

Indoor air quality