Knowledge of Breast Cancer and Screening Practices Among Iranian Immigrant Women in Toronto

Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Canada. Secondary prevention through screening may enable early identification and treatment, but this is suboptimal among all Canadian women, particularly minority immigrant women. This cross-sectional exploratory study assessed breast health knowledge and practices among Iranian immigrant women residing in Toronto. Our sample included 50 adult women with no history of breast cancer. Results showed that, overall, participants had limited knowledge of breast cancer and screening practices. More than two-thirds had low knowledge scores; 22% did not know that the risk of breast cancer increases with age; about 50% did not know the recommended time interval for screening mammography; 72% did not know how frequently to undergo a clinical breast examination. Length of stay in Canada was associated with self-reported breast health practices. These findings highlight the need to educate Iranian immigrants about the role of screening to promote early identification of breast cancer in the absence of symptoms. Culturally sensitive educational materials should be developed to address their specific needs. Healthcare providers should also be educated about how to communicate breast health information effectively to immigrant women. Opportunistic teaching during each health encounter should be encouraged and reinforced.     

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions about Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Screening Among Hispanic Women Residing in South Central Pennsylvania

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about breast cancer, and screening behaviors among Hispanic women in Pennsylvania. Eight focus groups were conducted with Hispanic women to obtain answers to the questions of interest. Results, based on content analysis, showed that cultural factors, such as family and fatalism, influence breast cancer knowledge and screening among this group. In addition, these women had some misconceptions regarding breast cancer and breast cancer detection screening. Most participants reported that they would like to receive breast cancer education in Spanish from health care providers or health educators. These results can help health professionals, including health educators, in the development of suitable breast cancer education and screening promotion programs for Hispanic women. This study was funded by the Research Council of The Penn State Capital College.     

Knowledge,Attitudes, and Practices for Cervical Cancer Screening Among the Bhutanese Refugee Community in Omaha,Nebraska

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer mortality among women with the vast majority of patients in developing countries. Bhutanese refugees in the United States are from South Central Asia, the 4th leading region of the world for cervical cancer incidence. Over the past few years, Bhutanese refugees have increased significantly in Nebraska. This study evaluates current knowledge of cervical cancer and screening practices among the Bhutanese refugee women in Omaha, Nebraska. The study aimed to investigate cervical cancer and screening knowledge and perceptions about the susceptibility and severity of cervical cancer and perceived benefits and barriers to screening. Self-administered questionnaires and focus groups based on the Health Belief Model were conducted among 42 healthy women from the Bhutanese refugee community in Omaha. The study revealed a significant lack of knowledge in this community regarding cervical cancer and screening practices, with only 22.2 % reporting ever hearing of a Pap test and 13.9 % reporting ever having one. Only 33.3 % of women were in agreement with their own perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Women who reported ever hearing about the Pap test tended to believe more strongly about curability of the disease if discovered early than women who never heard about the test (71.4 vs. 45.0 %, for the two groups. respectively). Refugee populations in the United States are in need for tailored cancer education programs especially when being resettled from countries with high risk for cancer.     

Breast Cancer Screening Among Women of Child-Bearing Age

We explored behavioral factors that contributed to late presentation of breast cancer. A cross-sectional survey of 120 women of child-bearing age was employed, and data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires addressing predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors associated with breast cancer screening. A total of 53.5% knew what breast cancer screening was; breast self-exam was the most commonly known form of screening, although only 7.5% practiced it. Lack of awareness (p =.004) and the knowledge of someone who previously had breast cancer (p =.0004) were prominent predictors for breast cancer screening, leading to either delay in or early presentation of the condition, respectively.     

Traditionality and Cancer Screening Practices Among American Indian Women in Vermont

The study purpose was to examine the relationship between cancer screening and traditionality, using a culturally specific survey instrument. American Indian (AI) women were randomly selected from the Vermont Breast Cancer Surveillance System (VBCSS), a statewide mammography database. The 13 items that assessed traditionality examined identity, cultural beliefs, customs, and health practices. The sample of 115 was predominately married, educated, middle class, insured, and rural. Significant associations were found between traditionality and past mammography and clinical breast examination (CBE) behavior, as well as future mammography intention. Results suggest that traditionality scales can be useful for identifying differences in screening behavior, with further testing of traditionality items with other AI women recommended. International implications of the study findings are also addressed.     

Knowledge and Attitudes of Cervical Cancer Screening Among Caribbean Women: A Qualitative Interview Study From Barbados

The purpose of this study was to explore Barbadian women’s attitudes toward and knowledge of routine cervical cancer screening (Pap tests). We conducted semi-structured individual interviews with fourteen female patients between the ages of 20 and 60 years who attended a selected public clinic in Barbados in May and June 2013. Interviews were audio-recorded with participants’ consent. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and, using thematic content analysis, indexed and coded inductively for emerging similar themes. We identified four themes: (1) women had poor knowledge of the purpose of Pap tests. The most frequently occurring misconception was that the test was for the detection of sexually transmitted infections. (2) The women displayed limited cervical cancer awareness. (3) Health professionals were identified by the women as the main driving force behind women taking up screening. (4) The screening procedure was perceived as painful, but women’s overriding attitude was that screening was necessary. These findings suggest that Barbadian women would benefit from focused health education efforts surrounding cervical cancer screening to eradicate the misconception that the purpose of the Pap test is the detection of sexually transmitted diseases.     

Peer Reviewed: Differences in Knowledge of Breast Cancer Screening Among African American,Arab American,and Latina Women

Introduction

We examined differences in knowledge and socioeconomic factors associated with 3 types of breast cancer screening (breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammogram) among African American, Arab, and Latina women.

Methods

Community health workers used a community-based intervention to recruit 341 women (112 Arab, 113 Latina, and 116 African American) in southeastern Michigan to participate in a breast cancer prevention intervention from August through October 2006. Before and after the intervention, women responded to a previously validated 5-item multiple-choice test on breast cancer screening (possible score range: 0 to 5) in their language of preference (English, Spanish, or Arabic). We used generalized estimating equations to analyze data and to account for family-level and individual correlations.

Results

Although African American women knew more about breast cancer screening at the baseline (pretest median scores were 4 for African American, 3 for Arab and 3 for Latina women), all groups significantly increased their knowledge after participating in the breast cancer prevention intervention (posttest median scores were 5 for African American and 4 for Arab and Latina women). Generalized estimating equations models show that Arab and Latina women made the most significant gains in posttest scores (P < .001).

Conclusion

Racial/ethnic differences in knowledge of breast cancer screening highlight the need for tailored information on breast cancer screening for African American, Arab, and Latina women to promote adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines.     

Lay Epistemology of Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Among Appalachian Women

Recent changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for breast cancer screening have contributed to increased patient uncertainty regarding the timing and appropriateness of screening behaviors. To gain insight into the lay epistemology of women regarding breast cancer screening practices, we conducted in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 24 adult women living in a medically underserved Appalachian region. We found that women were unaware of breast cancer screening guidelines (i.e., start age, frequency, stop age). Qualitative analysis revealed two lay epistemological narratives establishing (a) uncertain knowledge and ambiguity about breast cancer screening guidelines but certain knowledge of other women’s experiences with breast cancer diagnoses, and (b) feelings of knowing one’s own body best and seeing the value in “overscreening” to save even one life. Our findings have theoretical and practical implications for scholars and practitioners seeking to improve knowledge or behavior regarding adherence to breast cancer screening recommendations.     

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Attitude and Screening Behaviors Among Hispanics in South Texas Colonias

This study examines breast cancer knowledge, attitudes and screening behaviors of Hispanic women living in the South Texas colonias of Maverick and Val Verde Counties. We used the Health Belief Model to analyze the effects of HBM constructs on clinical breast exam (CBE) and mammogram screening. Using a multistage systematic sampling approach we interviewed women living within these colonias. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict CBE and mammography screening behaviors. The results indicate that knowledge, susceptibility, barriers and source of health information were statistically significant in predicting CBE among these women. In addition, background variables such as marital status and health insurance were also significant in predicting CBE. Findings further indicate that source of health information, barriers, and health insurance significantly predicts mammography screening behaviors. Results suggest that for women living in colonias along the South Texas Border socio-demographic variables play a significant role in CBE and mammography utilization.     

Osteoporosis-related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Middle-aged and Elderly Women

OSTEOPOROSIS (OP) is an important problemseriously affecting the health of middle-aged andelderly women. One third of women are likely tosuffer from OP. Because OP can cause irreversiblepathologic changes, bone structure is difficult torecover. Fracture and its complications, such as bed-sore, lung infection and urinary tract infection, arethe main causes of morbidity in these women.1Therefore, much attention should be paid to earlyprevention and treatment of OP. This study wasdesigned to understand the kno...     

Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Personal Practices Regarding Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Health Care Professionals in Rural Colorado: A Pilot Survey

ABSTRACT:  Purpose: This study reports the baseline knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personal practices of health care professionals regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the High Plains Research Network (HPRN) of rural Colorado prior to a community-based educational intervention. It also examines the association between health care staff members' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and personal practices for CRC screening and patient screening levels by practice. Methods: Surveys were mailed to health care professionals in the HPRN. Participating clinics (n = 21) distributed patient surveys on CRC screening to persons aged ≥50 for a 2-week period in 2006. Results: The survey response rate was 81% for providers (n = 46) and 90% for nursing staff (n = 63). Only 54% of health care professionals knew CRC is a leading cause of cancer deaths. When surveyed on their attitudes toward colon cancer, 92%"strongly agreed" or "agreed" that colon cancer is preventable. About 99% (n = 107) of providers and nurses "strongly agreed" or "agreed" that testing could identify problems before colon cancer starts. Most health care professionals (61%) aged ≥50 years had previously been tested and were up-to-date (52%) with screening. Provider knowledge was significantly associated with higher patient screening (P = .02), but provider attitudes and beliefs were not. Moreover, personal screening practices of health care professionals did not correlate with more patients screened. Conclusion: Background knowledge of CRC among HPRN health care professionals could be improved. The results of this pilot study may help focus effective approaches such as increasing provider knowledge to enhance CRC screening in the relevant population.     

Demographics and Perceptions of Barriers Toward Breast Cancer Screening Among Asian-American Women

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the differences in perceived barriers for mammography screening among four ethnic groups of Asian-American women.

Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 315 women in these four groups.

Results: The results from the multivariate analyses indicated that even after taking into account insurance coverage and demographic variables, specific barriers still prevent Asian-American women from seeking mammography.

Discussion: Recognizing similarities and differences in the barriers among demographic variables such as ethnicity, age, and length of U.S. residency among Asian subgroups can assist health professionals to address their needs when promoting adherence to mammography guidelines.     

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Patterns of Cancer Screening: A Self-report Among Foreign Born Hispanic Women Utilizing Rural Migrant Health Clinics

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in the United States and are currently Washington state's largest minority, with the highest growth rates found in the rural agricultural areas of eastern Washington state. Because breast and cervical cancer mortality rates are higher in Hispanics than other U.S. women, subgroups of Hispanic women with the lowest cancer screening utilization rates need to be identified and targeted for cancer control intervention to most effectively reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses and mortality. A study was conducted at six migrant health clinics located throughout eastern Washington state to discern age-specific proportions for utilization of mammography, breast self-examination, and Pap smears among Hispanic migrants to the United States. Knowledge and attitudes regarding these procedures also were assessed and face-to-face interviews were completed with 512 women. Among women 20 years or older, 15 percent had never heard of a Pap smear, only 78 percent had ever received a Pap smear, and only 44 percent had received a Pap smear within the prior year. In all, 73 percent of the women had been taught breast self-examination, 62 percent performed breast self-examination, and 41 percent had performed a breast self-examination in the prior month. Among women 40 years or older, only 38 percent had never heard of a mammogram, 38 percent had ever received a mammogram, and only 30 percent had received a mammogram in the prior two years. Cost was reported as a major barrier for screening in this population. Additionally, a substantial proportion of the women perceived Pap smears and mammography as unnecessary or diagnostic procedures, rather than preventive health measures.     

Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Among Haitian Immigrant Women in Little Haiti,Miami

Previous research has not examined barriers to mammography screening among Haitian immigrant women through their own discourse. Community Health Workers conducted in-depth interviews with Haitian women in Little Haiti, Miami. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze data from the in-depth interviews. Emergent themes coalesced into three core categories of screening barriers: Structural, Psychosocial, and Socio-Cultural. We developed a model of screening barriers to depict the themes within each core category. Screening barriers must be examined and understood from the social contexts in which they are produced in order to create meaningful interventions.     

Knowledge,Attitudes and HPV Vaccine Intention Among Women in India

Journal of Community Health - In India, cervical cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. However, uptake of the...