Current data from the Ohio Cancer Incidence and Reporting Surveillance System (Ohio Department of Health) reveal a lower incidence of breast cancer for Amish women than would be expected based on national rates (SIR=.5), higher mortality rates have been reported for the past several years. Two goals of the Amish Breast Health Project are 1) identify behavioral predictors of breast cancer screening among Amish and Mennonite women, and 2) provide education and outreach, including free mammograms and clinical breast examinations. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework, surveys on beliefs and knowledge were adapted to use among Amish women. Preliminary analysis of data from 82 women indicate a significant relationship between age and health perception (r=-.26,p< .05), mammography self-efficacy (r=-.28,p< .01), and fear of breast cancer (r=-.26,p< .05). Mean barriers and fatalism scores were significantly different between those who reported having or not having a mammogram. Relationships between HBM variables as well differences in beliefs between more liberal and conservative Amish will also be discussed. These results provide insight in to the perceptions of Amish women regarding breast cancer and screening and provide a framework for community education among the Amish.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Health Education, Special Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The National Cancer Institute's Appalachia Cancer Network, Grant/Riverside Cancer Services, Indiana University School of Nursing
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.