Recorded presentation

Dee Baldwin, PhD, RN-C and Sandra Commeau, MS. Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing, Georgia State University, P. O. Box 4019, Atlanta, GA 30302, 404-463-0573, dbaldwin@gsu.edu

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if Women Health Navigators (WHNs) could serve as educational ambassadors for promoting breast cancer awareness and mammography screening in low-income African American communities. The proposed project targeted 1000 older African American women (AAW) with breast health education in zip codes designated as low-income and high mortality related to breast cancer. Two research questions guided the study: 1) What are the effects of a Navigators’ program in promoting breast cancer awareness and mammography screening in older AAW and 2) Is there a relationship between the knowledge level of WHNs and African American women’s use of cancer screening services (mammography)? Descriptive statistics were used analyze data related to each research question. A correlational analysis was used to determine the relationship between the Navigators knowledge level and the African American women’s use of mammography. Further, regression analyses were used to determine the best predictor of mammography use in older African-American women. While the research study is completed, all data have not been finalized. However, findings from this study have implications for developing and evaluating breast educational programs to promote mammography screening in older African American women. Results will also support those factors that help identify screening behaviors for this population. Lastly, findings from this study will add to existing literature regarding using volunteers to support breast cancer education in high risk groups.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe components of a successful Women's Health Navigators' program aimed at promoting breast health in African American women.
• List variables that predict success of a Women's Health Navigators Program.
• Describe the relationship between knowledge level of Navigators and success in promoting mammography screening.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Programs, Access

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.

Recorded presentation