The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64330

Alexis Bakos, PhD, MPH, RN, C¹, Richard P. Moser, PhD², Sean D. Cleary, PhD, MPH³, and Paul H. Levine, MD³. (1) Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program/Health Communications & Informatics Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Rm. 4051A MSC 7365, Bethesda, MD 20892-7326, 301-496-8136, bakosal@mail.nih.gov, (2) Behavioral Research Program/Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd Rm. 4097, Bethesda, MD 20892, (3) School of Public Health & Health Services, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037

Risk of breast cancer increases with age and breast cancer incidence differs among racial groups. The purpose of this study was to identify women in two age groups, those 50 to 64 and those 65 and above to see if any differences exist between age cohorts and among Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and African American women. Data were collected from 42,872 women who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey to determine which specific variables predicted mammography utilization in each age and racial group. Results of the logistic regression analysis reveal that in both age groups African American women, those with health insurance, married women, those having a college degree, and women with a history of Pap smear testing were more likely to have a mammogram. Smoking was a correlate of screening for both age groups as well as for Caucasians and Asians. Compared to nonsmokers, those who smoked were less likely to have a mammogram, and former smokers were actually more likely to have a mammogram. Not having children under age 18 in the home was a significant correlate of screening for all groups except Asian women. Older women and Caucasians who reported good mental health were significantly less likely to have a mammogram. Older women who reported being out of work and Hispanic women who were employed were also less likely to be screened. Results of this study provide important information for designing targeted and more effective interventions aimed at increasing screening mammography rates.

Learning Objectives:

"At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Identify correlates of screening mammography for women 50-64 years of age and women age 65 and above.
• List at least two correlates each of screening mammography for Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian, and African American women.
• Discuss how determinants of screening mammography can assist in designing targeted interventions to increase breast cancer screening."

Keywords: Ethnicity, Mammography Screening

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.