Mammography Use by Older Mexican American Women

摘要

This study examined the correlates of mammographic screening in older Mexican-American women, with a focus on the influence of strong family relationships on promoting screening behavior. A random sample of 549 Mexican- American women age 50-74 years in southeast Texas was identified through a one stage cluster sample. Data were collected on 452 subjects through in-home interviews on factors related to ever having a mammogram and having had mammogram in the past two years. Mammography use increases with years of education. household income, having some private insurance, having a usual source of care and perceived susceptibility to breast cancer. Use is not significantly associated with age, marital status and attitudes towards preventive care. Use increases with acculturation, with language use and proficiency having the strongest association. There is a strong potential for family to play an important role in promoting screening behavior particularly having younger female family members encourage their older relatives to have mammograms. Self reports of mammography for 192 women were validated with medical chart reviews. The positive predictive value was 74% and the overall agreement was 77%.