Thai American Women's Perceptions Regarding Mammography Participation

Abstract

To identify the factors influencing mammography screening among Thai immigrant women in Southern California. Asian women have lower mammography screening rates than other U.S. women (Centers for Disease Control [CDC], 2007), and only 53% of Thai women in Los Angeles had a mammogram in the prior 2 years (Thai Community Development Center, 2004). A phenomenological approach was used to elicit Thai immigrant women's perceptions of the reasons for screening participation. Phenomenology is an appropriate means of describing screening as experienced by members of a population for which there is little information. Focus groups were used to collect data to provide a group perspective. Thai women over 40 years of age in 2 Southern California counties were recruited at a local temple and a social services agency. Participants were asked about mammography participation and to describe the factors that influenced screening for themselves, family members, and friends. Thematic analysis identified major themes. Factors influencing mammography screening included knowledge, encouragement, health consciousness, physical factors, fear, cultural factors, social responsibilities, and logistical barriers. Participants identified factors amenable to nursing intervention that may influence mammography screening in this population. Further study is needed to determine the prevalence of these factors.