Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening in Low-Income African Americans in Tennessee

Authors

Kushal Patel, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Mohamed Kanu, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Jianguo Liu, Meharry Medical CollegeFollow
Brea Bond, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Elizabeth Brown, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Elizabeth Williams, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Rosemary Theriot, Tennessee State UniversityFollow
Stephanie Bailey, Tennessee State University
Maureen Sanderson, Meharry Medical CollegeFollow
Margaret Hargreaves, Meharry Medical CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-20-2014

Abstract

This study examined demographic and lifestyle factors that influenced decisions and obstacles to being screened for breast cancer in low-income African Americans in three urban Tennessee cities. As part of the Meharry Community Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a 123-item community survey was administered to assess demographic characteristics, health care access and utilization, and screening practices for various cancers in low-income African Americans. For this study, only African American women 40 years and older (n = 334) were selected from the Meharry CNP community survey database. There were several predictors of breast cancer screening such as marital status and having health insurance (P < .05). Additionally, there were associations between obstacles to screening and geographic region such as transportation and not having enough information about screenings (P < .05). Educational interventions aimed at improving breast cancer knowledge and screening rates should incorporate information about obstacles and predictors to screening.

Recommended Citation

Patel, K., Kanu, M., Liu, J. et al. Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening in Low-Income African Americans in Tennessee. J Community Health 39, 943–950 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-014-9834-x