One of the most effective tools in early detection and mortality reduction of breast cancer is regular screening mammography. Current studies indicate, however, mammography utilization rates in the general population, and more so in the Black community, continue to fall well below the objectives set forth by leading health agencies. As a result, efforts have been made to identify barriers related to health beliefs associated with screening mammography that are unique to Black and White women to more effectively design interventions to encourage compliance with current screening recommendations. This study used the Health Belief Model as the theoretical basis of a secondary data analysis aimed at establishing differences in health beliefs among Black and White women that impact mammography compliance. Data were obtained from members of IU Medical Group(IUMG) or outpatients of the General Medicine Clinic of Barnes-Jewish Hospital participating in a long-term study to examine the effects of tailored interventions on mammography compliance. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. Overall results indicate that for White women, the Health Belief Model hypothesized in this study explained about 13% of the variance associated with mammography compliance and approximately 9% for Black women. Additionally, there were differences between the specific variables that appeared to have the most explanatory power for the two groups. These findings indicate that the Health Belief Model, while a good starting point, does not appear to completely explain differences that exist between health beliefs or mammography behavior of Black and White women.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session the participant should be able to: ·Understand the utility of Structural Equation Modeling as a technique for examining multivariate relationships proposed in behavioral models such as the Health Belief Model. ·Identify the key health beliefs that are predictors of mammography compliance among Black and White women.
Keywords: Health Behavior, Mammography Screening
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.