The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #47942

Amal J. Khoury, PhD, MPH¹, Nedra Lisovicz, MPH, CHES², and Amal Mitra, MD, DrPH¹. (1) Center for Community Health, University of Southern Mississippi, P.O. Box 5122, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, 601-266-5435, Amal.Khoury@usm.edu, (2) Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, University of Southern Mississippi, USM Box 10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in American women. Although efforts to control breast cancer have been successful in lowering mortality rates, many women do not participate in established programs, including screening and clinical trials. This is particularly true among low-income minority women in the deep south. Providers have a major role in educating women and referring them to screening and clinical trials. However, physician involvement is often limited. For example, one study found that more than half of patients eligible to participate in cancer research protocols did not participate due specifically to physicians' preferences for specific treatments. To date, little research exists on the barriers that hinder physician referrals to screening and clinical trials. This study will identify attitudes and referral behaviors of primary care providers in the deep south toward screening and clinical trials. The study involves qualitative research with providers serving low-income women in two areas of the deep south: the rural Delta of Mississippi (which was visited by President Clinton during his poverty in America tour) and the urban areas of the state. Thirty interviews are being conducted with selected providers who practice in the above areas, including 10 family physicians, 10 internists, and 10 obstetricians/gynecologists. Providers who are representative of the study population in terms of age, sex and place of education/training were recruited. A semi-structured interview consisting of a series of open-ended questions was developed. Each interview lasts 30-45 minutes and is audiotaped. Tapes are transcribed and analyzed for cross-cutting issues and themes. In-depth qualitative data will be obtained on: 1) knowledge of screening guidelines and available prevention and treatment trials; 2) attitudes regarding screening and research studies; 3) current practices; and 4) barriers to making referrals. It is expected that knowledge and attitudes toward screening, but not clinical trials, are positive. It is also expected that physicians face major barriers in referring women. The results will further our understanding of practices and needs of providers in underserved areas and will be used to develop community-based cancer control programs that reflect those needs. It is hoped that such programs will contribute to eliminating the disparity in breast cancer mortality rates among subgroups of women.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to identify

• knowledge and attitudes of primary care providers in the deep south toward breast cancer screening and clinical trials;
• current practices; and
• barriers to referring women to screening and research studies.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Physicians

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.