Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115026

Saleh M.M. Rahman, MBBS, PhD, MPH, Institute of Public Health, Florida A & M University, FSH Science Research Center # 209A, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tallahassee, FL 32307, 850-599-8840, saleh.rahman@famu.edu

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess women's perceptions, knowledge and behavioral practices for breast cancer prevention in Wood County, Ohio. Methods: Based on Health Belief Model constructs, a 61-item questionnaire was developed and administered among women age 40 years and older. Results: Of 180 women aged 40-94, 96% were White, 56% were high school graduates, 51% were full-time workers, and 23% had income more than 50,000/year. About 88% reported ever having a mammogram, 53.6% had a mammogram in the last year, and only 15.6% had a mammogram in the last two years. About 83% reported ever having a clinical breast examination. On perception scale, women with and without a previous mammogram differed significantly regarding barriers to screening mammography (Mean=1.76, SD=0.37 versus Mean=2.00, SD=0.31, p=0.001). Knowledge and misconceptions about breast cancer and mammography were measured. Range of score was 0-17 (1 for correct, and 0 for incorrect answer). Only 0.6% women scored highest (12). Mean score in knowledge was 6.99 (SD=1.78). In logistic regression only age and education appeared to be significant predictor for screening behavior (OR=1.19, p=0.02, OR=0.32, p=0.03, respectively). Those with high perceived barriers of having a mammogram were 86% less likely to have screen, but the odds are at borderline significance (OR=0.14, p=0.057). Conclusion: Though ever having mammogram is increased among this study population, adherence to the recommended guidelines is not consistent. Behavioral interventions targeting barriers and misconceptions to screening should be further tested to decrease breast cancer mortality and increase prevention.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to (
• assess women’s perceptions about breast cancer and screening mammography; (
• identify barriers to screening mammography; (
• evaluate current behavioral practices and knowledge regarding breast cancer and screening mammography; and (
• recognize specific areas to be addressed for future interventions.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Screening

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation