Mammography utilization and related attitudes among Korean-American women

Women Health. 1998;27(3):89-107. doi: 10.1300/J013v27n03_07.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess mammography utilization among Korean-American women and to identify their knowledge, attitudes and barriers related to screening. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the Korean language with a convenience sample of 229 predominantly low-income Korean women 50 years and older residing in Los Angeles. Forty-nine percent had ever had a mammogram, 24% had had a screening mammogram in the past 12 months, and 36% had had one in the past two years. Variables positively related to "ever had a screening mammogram" included: having health insurance; income > or = $25,000; having received a physician's recommendation to obtain a mammogram; holding positive group norms; longer duration of residency in the U.S.; and greater acculturation. Variables negatively related to screening included: concerns about finding cancer; taking time to get a mammogram; transportation; embarrassment; and discomfort requesting the procedure from the physician. Strategies to increase mammography utilization among Korean-American women are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Korea / ethnology
  • Logistic Models
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Sampling Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States