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

Abstract #69459

Amal J. Khoury, PhD, MPH¹, Nedra Lisovicz, MPH, CHES², Amanda Avis, MPH¹, and Deonna Allen, MPH¹. (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, Box 10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Research Objective: Breast Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in American women. Many women do not participate in breast cancer screening activities despite the effectiveness of screening in the early detection of breast cancer. This is particularly true for women in medically underserved areas, such as the state of Mississippi. This study examines knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women in Mississippi toward breast cancer screening, including mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams. Study Design: In spring 2003, a telephone survey was conducted of women 40 years of age and older in Mississippi. A survey questionnaire was developed, pilot tested with a sample of 30 women, revised, and finalized. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to establish face validity of the questionnaire. The questionnaire collected data about 1) knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and screening guidelines; 2) attitudes toward screening; 3) current practices regarding mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams; and 4) demographic information. A random sample of 1500 women was selected. Computer-assisted telephone interviewing of sampled women is underway. The target response rate is 65%. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and women receive a participation incentive. Findings: This survey is the quantitative phase of a larger study on breast cancer control in the deep south. In 2002, 6 focus groups were conducted with women 40 years of age and older in Mississippi. The focus groups showed that women had limited knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and screening guidelines. Myths regarding risk factors and screening were not uncommon. Utilization of screening was also limited. This survey will quantify the magnitude of the focus group themes and issues and will provide representative detailed data about breast cancer screening in the poorest state in the country. Conclusions/Implications: The survey and focus group findings will be combined to assist in the design of community-based and culturally-sensitive screening programs that address the specific needs of underserved populations of women. Effective screening programs lower breast cancer mortality rates and help eliminate the current disparities among subgroups of women. Funding Source: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:
• define medically underserved areas
• articulate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of underserved populations of women toward breast cancer screening
• understand the need for community-based screening programs and list examples of such programs 3)

Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Underserved Populations

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.