Abstract B83: Factors influencing adherence to mammography screening guidelines in Appalachian women participating in a mobile mammography program

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the characteristics (demographic, access to care, health-related behavioral, self and family medical history, psychosocial) of women age 40 years and above who participated in a mobile mammography screening program conducted throughout West Virginia to determine the factors influencing their self-reported adherence to mammography screening guidelines. Methods: The data were collected from 738 women who participated in the Bonnie Wells Wilson Mobile Mammography Program and completed a six-page Preventive Care Survey. Data were analyzed using the Andersen Behavioral Model of Healthcare Utilization framework to determine the factors associated with adherence to mammography screening guidelines in these women. Results: Of the 686 women included in the analysis, 46.2% reported having had a mammogram in the past two years as per current mammography screening guidelines. The unadjusted model showed predisposing factors such as older age and unemployed status, visit to a gynecologist in the past year (an enabling factor) and need-related factors such as having a family history of breast cancer (BC), having had breast problems in the past, having had breast biopsy in the past, having had a Pap test in past two years, and having had all the screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose, bone mineral density and high blood pressure in past two years to be significant predictors of self-reported adherence to mammography guidelines. In the adjusted model, being of age 65 and above (OR=3.787), having a family history of BC (OR=1.909), having had breast problems in the past (OR=1.992) and having had a Pap test (OR=6.035) were significant predictors of self-reported mammography screening adherence. Conclusions: Forty-six percent of the sample reported having had a mammogram in the past two years as per current mammography screening guidelines which is lower than the 70% goal of Healthy People 2010. Breast cancer related events seem to be associated with mammography screening adherence in this rural Appalachian population. Increasing adherence to mammography screening may require targeted, community-based educational interventions that precede and complement visits by the mobile mammography unit. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B83.