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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Raffy R. Luquis, PhD and Irma Villanueva Cruz, MEd. School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State Harrisburg, W319 Olmsted, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, 717-948-6730, rluquis@psu.edu
Although the incidence of breast cancer among Hispanic women is low, new cases of breast cancer are increasing among them. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and anxiety level of breast cancer, screening behaviors, and other cultural factors among Hispanic women at risk for breast cancer. Focus groups were conducted with a sample of 50 Hispanic women ages 30 to 65 years, who were recruited through advertisements and flyers in collaboration with several community-based organization. Focus groups techniques was chosen as they valuable when discussing health issues with Hispanics because it allows for a more comfortable atmosphere and a more open discussion, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. A female facilitator and a female recorder were used to prevent any gender bias during the data collection. The participants were also asked to complete a short survey about demographical information and breast cancer preventive behaviors. Preliminary results indicate that participants had a minimal knowledge of breast cancer, perceived that a diagnosis of cancer is fatal, and had a high anxiety level about cancer. Most women reported that their physicians have encouraged them to practice preventive behaviors, however, a significant number reported that they have not followed this recommendation. Most women prefer to get visual information about breast cancer in Spanish. Results of this investigation might assist other health professionals in the development of effective strategies to increase Hispanics response to breast cancer campaigns and to provide a more culturally appropriate prevention program for this population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to
Keywords: Hispanic, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.