Screening mammography significantly reduces breast cancer deaths. However, screening rates vary among Black women. Little is known about the influence of culture on decisions Black women make about mammography screening and how their cultural beliefs vary. In this study focus groups of African American women were held to develop scales for measuring cultural phenomena related to mammography screening. The women were ages 40 and older and from across socioeconomic strata. The women discussed their beliefs about health, personal and ethnic group control, personal space, and time orientation. Preliminary analysis has indicated that health was defined in concrete actions, such as exercising, and in mental attitudes such as focusing on positive things. Early disease detection was not mentioned. They believed that they could control what they did to stay healthy most of the time. Spirituality also was discussed as a source of positive control. They believed that African Americans as a group of people had less control over their health due to "inherited" stress caused by external forces, and to cultural ignorance and racism. They expressed more concerns about privacy during the procedure than about the physical environment. Differing beliefs about time and early detection were voiced such as "if nothing is wrong, you don't need to go looking for anything" or "you want to make sure you catch it early." From our analysis, we anticipate variations in cultural beliefs will emerge and findings will guide development of scales to measure specific cultural beliefs in relation to mammography screening.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants will be able to: 1. Identify cultural phenomena that are relevant to mammography screening in African American women. 2 Describe variations in cultural beliefs about mammography screening among African American women. 3. Relate focus group findings to the development of scales to measure cultural constructs in mammography screening.
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Culture
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Enhancing Quality of Life in Chronic Illness, Indiana University School of Nursing, #P30 NR05035-01
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
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