Culture and language are known to impact health care delivery. Purpose: We undertook a study to determine screening mammography rates among Haitian immigrant women in a US city (Boston), and to compare it to the rate of other women living in the same neighborhood. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of 334 women, 40 years old and over, from randomly selected households in enclaves with high concentration of Haitian women. Trained bilingual interviewers conducted in-person interviews to assess mammography rates, socioeconomic status, health beliefs and practices, and degree of acculturation. Chi-square analyses were used for categorical data. Results: Haitian women (82% [95% CI 76%-89%]) had similar screening rates compared to African American (76% [65%-88%]), English-speaking Caribbean (77% [60%-95%]), and Latina (86% [72%-100%]). However, the screening rates of these groups were lower compared to White women (97% [92%-100%]). Income below $20K (74% vs 87%; p=0.02) but not education were associated with mammography use. Among immigrants, greater length of time in the US was associated with mammogram use. Women whose provider recommended (22% vs 79%, p=0.02) mammography had more mammograms. Women who thought cancer was a death sentence had fewer mammograms (79% vs 85%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Haitian and other minority women had lower screening rates compared to White women. Women without a provider's recommendation, with low income, recent immigrants, and who thought cancer was a death sentence had lower mammogram use. Campaigns to promote mammography should address health beliefs if they are to attract more women of color.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Identify factors that may facilitate and hinder access to and utilization of screening mammography among Haitian women. 2. Articulate the proceedure for assessing cultural barriers on mammogram utilization among other minority groups
Keywords: Mammography Screening, Women
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.