Abstract:
This study examined barriers and incentives to mammography screening among African American and Caucasian women in the Mississippi Delta. This study sought to identify the most salient barriers and incentives to mammography screening; determine if those barriers and incentives differed by race; and determine if barriers and incentives influenced mammography screening behavior. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The Breast Cancer Screening Measure was administered to 175 African American and Caucasian participants at eight different churches in Leflore County, and at the Mississippi State Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi. The survey measured barriers and incentives to mammography screening as well as breast cancer screening behavior. The study found that fear of breast cancer, perceived benefits of mammograms, and health motivation were the most salient barriers and incentives. It was also determined that African American women were more fearful of breast cancer and more motivated to care for their health when compared to Caucasian women. Finally, there were no differences in screening behavior by race; however, women who were more fearful of breast cancer were likelier to be overdue for a mammogram, and women who were motivated to care for their health more likely to be current. This study's findings have important implications related to the continued need to address psychological barriers to breast cancer screening among "high-risk" women in the Mississippi Delta. Ultimately, the findings may be instrumental in helping future practitioners address fear of breast cancer as a barrier to mammography screening among African American and Caucasian women in rural areas.
