An Investigation of the Facilitative and Inhibitory Variables Impacting Breast Health Practices in Low-Socioeconomic Status Black Women of African American and Caribbean Descent
Abstract
Black women of low-socioeconomic status (SES) demonstrate a high incidence of breast cancer mortality associated with late-state diagnosis. Breast cancer screening, including mammography, breast self-examination, and clinical breast examination, remains the most effective route to early cancer detection. Studies indicate poor adherence to breast cancer screening regimens among low-income minority women. An overall objective of the study is the construction of models that can explain screening practices in low-SES black women. This will be accomplished in two separate waves. In the first wave, facilitators and barriers to breast cancer screening participation among low-SES women of African-American and Caribbean descent will be determined through qualitative interview. This approach intends to provide a voice for the concerns and experiences guiding these women in their screening choices. The current study incorporates an approach-avoidance theoretical framework that considers preventive screening behaviors to be both desirable and aversive. Based on the factors provided by the respondents in the first wave of the study, culturally-sensitive Q-Sort instrumentation will be designed that allow participants to rank order these factors as facilitators or barriers and therefore, provide strength of modes to explain breast health care practices among low-SES Black women, either as idiopathic to the general population of low-SES Black women or specific to African-American or Caribbean cultural groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA587563
Entities
People
- Kathryn C. Lasorsa
Organizations
- New York University