Abstract B18: Breast health promotion among African immigrant women: Intervention recommendations

Abstract

Abstract Breast cancer is now the most common cancer both in developed and developing countries. It is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females in economically developing countries. Additionally, breast cancer among African women is quite aggressive and progressive in nature, and often occurs earlier in life. This, coupled with the fact that African women make up one of the fastest growing immigrant population in the United States and immigrants have been shown to have lower rates of mammogram uptake, warrants scientific inquiry about how to effectively promote awareness and support breast cancer early detection and prevention practices in this population. Using Intervention Mapping (IM), a systematic approach to intervention development, recommendations for a program to promote breast health among African immigrant women in the United States will be presented. Final program recommendations are grounded in current scientific literature on breast health promotion strategies, qualitative formative research through semi-structured interviews with women, and theoretical considerations. The resultant program is a comprehensive, multilevel, evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and theory-driven educational curriculum for African immigrant women. Performance objectives (e.g., “obtain an annual mammogram”) will be specified, and behavioral determinants (e.g. knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy) will be discussed as part of a detailed matrix of change objectives for African immigrant women and community leaders. Innovative approaches, theoretical methods and practical strategies, in addition to program materials and activities, will also be described. Citation Format: Ebun O. Odeneye. Breast health promotion among African immigrant women: Intervention recommendations. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr B18.