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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Eleni Tolma, PhD¹, Chasity Belshe, BA¹, Robert Hamm, PhD², David M. Thompson, PhD³, Kevin O'Brien, MD⁴, and Randy Hall, MPH⁴. (1) College of Public Health, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-271-2370, eleni-tolma@ouhsc.edu, (2) Family Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, 900 NE 10th street, Oklahoma city, OK 73104, (3) College of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 801 N.E 13th Street, CHB 321, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (4) Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services, 1601 S.Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee, OK 74801

Among Oklahoma's racial and ethnic communities, Native American (N.A) women have the second highest mortality rate from breast cancer. Among Oklahomans with breast cancer regional or distant stage disease is diagnosed more often in Native Americans and African Americans than in any other ethnic group. This study assessed mammography seeking behavior of N.A women who obtain services at a tribal clinic. The Theory of Planned Behavior consisted of the theoretical framework for identifying key behavioral and normative beliefs affecting mammography seeking behavior. Twenty-four open-ended elicitation interviews were conducted with N.A women, aged 40-65 years, representing eight tribes. Fourteen women had participated regularly in mammography screening, and the rest either never had a mammogram or had not had one in the last three years. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using N-VIVO software. Results indicate that most women hold negative attitude towards breast cancer and believe that mammography is painful. On the other hand, most women believe that mammography results in early detection of breast cancer, and that breast cancer does not recognize racial boundaries. Women cited family members, friends, co-workers, personal physicians, and non-profit organizations as possible influential sources in their decision to get a mammogram. Fear of finding out they have breast cancer was an identified theme regarding barriers against getting regular mammograms. N.A women suggested that more accessible mammography sites and improved scheduling may facilitate the decision to get regular mammograms. The study's results can help researchers and practitioners promote screening mammography in Native American communities

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Describe the motivational factors associated with regular screening mammography within the Native American community.
• 2. Discuss the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior as the guiding framework in the elicitation of salient beliefs regarding screening mammography
• within the Native American community.

Keywords: Screening, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No