The overall objective for the research is to provide information that will ultimately lead to reductions in breast cancer mortality among African American Medicare beneficiaries, 65 years old and older in Fulton County and DeKalb County Georgia, by increasing the percentage of this population that is screened for breast cancer annually. The project will address the low mammography screening rates for African American, non-Health Maintenance Organization Medicare beneficiaries in Fulton and DeKalb Counties. The study will develop, field test, evaluate, and disseminate a model for identifying barriers to test breast cancer screening among various populations. The proposed study will build upon research previously performed by the breast cancer prevention research group at Morehouse.
The project will conduct a needs assessment among the target population in order to collect information on the barriers to screening that exist in this population. This needs assessment study will employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Specific emphasis will be focused on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. The study will be based on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The instruments will be pilot tested. The needs assessment will focus on identifying cultural and socioeconomic factors, as well as system-related factors that serve as barriers to those seeking or accepting breast cancer screening. The sample size will consist of 200 elderly AFrican American women in four high-rise buildings and a senior center in Fulton and DeKalb counties
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the primary factors associated with the low mammography utilization rates of African American women 65 years old and older. 2. Develop strategies designed to increase the percentage of elderly African American women that receive annual mammography screening. 3. Increase the knowledge of breast cancer and improve the attitude toward breast cancer screening. 4. Increase the rate at which annual screening mammograms are secured in the study population
Keywords: Elderly, Mammography Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Health organizations
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.