Results of a Test and Win Contest to Raise Radon Awareness in Urban and Rural Settings

Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer, but few test their homes to determine radon levels. Purpose The study assessed feasibility and success of a Test and Win Contest to promote radon testing in rural and urban communities. Methods The prospective, quasi-experimental study tested a novel contest to raise radon awareness. Paid and earned media recruited homeowners who received a free test kit and were eligible to win free home mitigation. Urban homeowners with the 5 highest radon levels and rural participants with the 3 highest won free radon mitigation systems. Cross-sectional surveys were completed via Internet or phone at enrollment. Results Most returned the radon test kits (71% urban; 86% rural). Participation was more prevalent in the rural location most likely due to longer media recruitment (6 weeks vs. 11 days) and more money spent on media advertising ($1.86 vs. $0.21 per eligible household). The contest attracted 102 per 10 000 households to test for radon in the rural area compared to 19 per 10 000 households in urban counties. Discussion The contest was a feasible and successful population-based strategy in both locations. Translation to Health Education Practice The Test and Win Contest is a promising health education strategy to promote radon testing.