A process for creating data report-back tools to improve equity in environmental health.

Background: Although there is increasing interest in reporting results of environmental research efforts back to participants, evidence-based tools have not yet been applied to developed materials to ensure their accessibility in terms of literacy, numeracy, and data visualization demand. Additionally, there is not yet guidance as to how to formally assess the created materials to assure a match with the intended audience.

Methods: Relying on formative qualitative research with participants of an indoor air quality study in Dorchester, Massachusetts, we identified means of enhancing accessibility of indoor air quality data report-back materials for participants.

Characterizing the Environmental Health Literacy and Sensemaking of Indoor Air Quality of Research Participants.

This study is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with the participants of an indoor air quality monitoring study. The purpose of the interviews was to capture participants' perceptions of indoor air quality and engage them in a discussion of those factors that influenced their behavior. Interview study participants ( = 20) noted the importance of family health concerns and their own sensory awareness of possible contaminants.