The purpose of this session is to determine whether health information sources differ by age, education, insurance and cancer status, and study site in a multi-site population of Latinas (n=297), who have received an abnormal mammogram or been diagnoses with breast cancer. Participants' where part of a six site study, which included Los Angeles, New Mexico, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico in partnership with COSSMHO and the National Hispanic Leadership Initiative on Cancer. Median age was 53 years, 67% had not finished high school, 88%were foreign-born, 89% were interviewed in Spanish, 55% had health insurance, and 77% rated their health as good or fair. Data indicate that there were differences in selection of sources of health information between Latinas in Puerto Rico and the US. Latinas, regardless of study site reported television (67% overall) as the most common source of health information. Brochures (62%) and magazines (39%) were the second and third most common sources of information in Puerto Rico. In contrast, Latinas in the US reported their health care provider (69%) and brochures (54%) to be the sources from which they obtained health information. All population sites received health information primarily in Spanish (> 63%). Multivariate analyses indicate differences in sources of health information among Latinas in Puerto Rico and the US and different predictors of use of these sources of information will be discussed. Identification of how Latinas access information may enable health educators to target education efforts specifically to a region.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. List the three main sources of health information for Latinas in Puerto Rico and mainland US. 2. Recognize which sources of health information need further attention from national cancer organizations. 3. Identify key demographic indicators (e.g., religion) associated with the preferences for certain sources of health information among Latinas in Puerto Rico and mainland US
Keywords: Latinas, Health Information
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.