To determine whether variations in knowledge and practices about breast cancer screening exist among Latina subgroups in NYC, we initiated a needs assessment at MIC-Women's Health Services (MIC), a program providing prenatal care and family planning services to a predominantly low-income, immigrant population. A sample of 571 Latina women was recruited and interviewed. The mean age of respondents was 28 years, 94% responded in Spanish, only 39% had a regular place for health care besides MIC, and only 25% rated their health as "excellent" or "very good". Analysis showed significant X2 results (p < 0.05) among the three largest subgroups (Dominican, Mexican, Ecuadorian) in regard to whether respondents had heard of breast self exam (BSE) (89%, 70%, 69% respectively), physician breast exam (PBE) (96%, 85%, 88%), and mammogram (96%, 71%, 87%). Also significant was whether respondents had been taught how to perform BSE (81%, 66%, 70%), and whether they had a PBE (92%, 83%, 78%) or mammogram (96%, 71%, 87%). Among all women, those who knew one or more women who had breast cancer were significantly more likely (p < 0.05) to have heard of BSE (Odds Ratio (OR)=3.42) and PBE (OR=4.34), to have performed BSE (OR=1.68), and had PBE (OR=2.2). They were also significantly more likely to have heard of mammogram (OR=4.37) and to have had a mammogram (OR=1.97). They additionally estimated their chance of developing breast cancer as higher than average, X2=16.0, (p < 0.05).
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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.