Screening Behavior Research Articles

Breast Cancer Screening Behavior among Working Women in Japan: Characteristics and Factors Inhibiting Screening.

Improving breast cancer screening rates is crucial for early detection. However, factors hindering regular screening among working women remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify screening behavior among working women in Japan and associated discouraging factors. Surveys were conducted from April to May 2019 among women aged 40-60 at public offices and companies in Tottori Prefecture. We used two surveys: the "Basic Attributes Questionnaire" and the "Structural Questionnaire on Rejecting Screening." Data analysis involved chi-squared tests, logistic regression analysis, factor analysis, and nonparametric tests. Completed questionnaires analyzed were 668 out of 825 collected (response rate: 81.0%). Most participants were part-time employees with an average age of 51 years. Over 60% reported undergoing regular screening. Logistic regression analysis identified part-time employment, lack of children, a discouraging workplace atmosphere, and absence of personal connections to breast cancer patients as factors associated with avoiding breast cancer screening. Factor analysis identified five factors and 16 items as reasons for not undergoing regular screening. Women who had no spouse, no children or felt that their workplace was not encouraging breast screening felt difficulty in scheduling screening most strongly. Individuals who had part-time employment and had no children, did not know a breast cancer patient, or considered that their workplace environment was not supportive were more likely to avoid undergoing regular breast cancer screening. Also, women who did not undergo regular screening experienced difficulty in scheduling. In the future, the challenge lies in disseminating accurate knowledge about breast cancer to foster awareness without excessive anxiety.

Behaviour of advanced materials in environmental aquatic media – dissolution kinetics and dispersion stability of perovskite automotive catalysts

Combination of methods for early screening of AdMa environmental behaviour and effects.

Screening of oxidative behavior in catalytic amyloid assemblies.

Once considered a thermodynamic minimum of the protein fold or as simply by-products of a misfolding process, amyloids are increasingly showing remarkable potential for promoting enzyme-like catalysis. Recent studies have demonstrated a diverse range of catalytic behaviors that amyloids can promote way beyond the hydrolytic behaviors originally reported. We and others have demonstrated the strong propensity of catalytic amyloids to facilitate redox reactions both in the presence and in the absence of metal cofactors. Here, we present a detailed protocol for measuring the oxidative ability of supramolecular peptide assemblies.

High-throughput screening of the transport behavior of tetragonal perovskites.

Halide perovskites have attracted attention due to their low cost and excellent optoelectronic properties. Although their optical properties gained widespread consensus, there was still divergence in understanding carrier transport behavior. In this study, the mobility of tetragonal perovskites was investigated by empirical models, including longitudinal acoustic phonon (LAP) and polar optical phonon (POP) models. The results revealed that the mobility predicted from the LAP model was much higher than that from the POP model. A longitudinal optical phonon (LOP) was considered as the decisive scattering source for charge carriers in perovskites. Furthermore, the mobility was extremely sensitive to z-axis strain, and 8 types of perovskites with high carrier mobility were screened. Using the experimental lattice constants, the predicted mobility of CsSnI3 was μe,z = 1428 and μh,z = 2310 cm2 V-1 s-1, respectively. The tetragonal CsSnI3 has high mobility and moderate bandgaps, suggesting potential applications in high-efficiency solar cells.

Integrated Cross-Scale Manipulation and Modulable Encapsulation of Cell-Laden Hydrogel for Constructing Tissue-Mimicking Microstructures.

Engineered microstructures that mimic invivo tissues have demonstrated great potential for applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and cell behavior exploration. However, current methods for engineering microstructures that mimic the multi-extracellular matrix and multicellular features of natural tissues to realize tissue-mimicking microstructures invitro remain insufficient. Here, we propose a versatile method for constructing tissue-mimicking heterogeneous microstructures by orderly integration of macroscopic hydrogel exchange, microscopic cell manipulation, and encapsulation modulation. First, various cell-laden hydrogel droplets are manipulated at the millimeter scale using electrowetting on dielectric to achieve efficient hydrogel exchange. Second, the cells are manipulated at the micrometer scale using dielectrophoresis to adjust their density and arrangement within the hydrogel droplets. Third, the photopolymerization of these hydrogel droplets is triggered in designated regions by dynamically modulating the shape and position of the excitation ultraviolet beam. Thus, heterogeneous microstructures with different extracellular matrix geometries and components were constructed, including specific cell densities and patterns. The resulting heterogeneous microstructure supported long-term culture of hepatocytes and fibroblasts with high cell viability (over 90%). Moreover, the density and distribution of the 2 cell types had significant effects on the cell proliferation and urea secretion. We propose that our method can lead to the construction of additional biomimetic heterogeneous microstructures with unprecedented potential for use in future tissue engineering applications.

Recreational screen time behaviour among ambulatory children and adolescents diagnosed with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional analysis.

To describe the recreational screen time behaviour of 8-16-year-olds diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and explore associations between health-related quality of life, sleep duration and physical activity behaviour versus screen time. This cross-sectional study used proxy-reported questionnaire data of 381 ambulatory (with or without assistance) 8-16-year-olds diagnosed with CP corresponding to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III. Descriptive statistics were used to report age, sex and the GMFCS level. The potential associations of health-related quality of life, physical activity behaviour and sleep duration (dependent variables) versus screen time (independent variable) were determined using multiple linear regression. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, including seven dimensions: Daily Activities; School Activities; Movement and Balance; Pain and Hurt; Fatigue; Eating Activities; and Speech and Communication. The participants spent a median screen time of 3.9h daily. The boys spent a longer screen time during weekends than the girls (p = 0.003). Boys spent more time on games (p < 0.001), whereas girls spent more time on social media and video calls (p < 0.001). Increasing age (p < 0.001) was associated with increased screen time but did not differ between the GMFCS levels. Sleep duration, perceived fatigue and perceived movement and balance correlated negatively with screen time. This study sheds light on the recreational screen time habits of ambulatory children and adolescents diagnosed with CP. Further investigation into the observed associations is warranted to investigate potential causation and relationships between sleep behaviour, quality of life and screen time behaviour.

Behavioral Profiling of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae: Activity, Anxiety, Avoidance, and Startle Response.

Apart from morphological, biochemical, and genetic alterations induced by teratogen compounds, there is an increased interest in characterizing behavioral alterations. Behavior is a sensitive parameter that can provide information regarding developmental disruptions non-invasively. Behavioral disturbances interfere with animals' capacity to cope with the environment, having an impact on the organism's life. Hereby, behavioral assays consisting of recording larvae in multi-well plates, Petri dishes, or cuvettes and video analysis using adequate software, allowing teratogen screening of behavior, are proposed. Examples of how to evaluate locomotor, anxiety-like and avoidance-like behaviors, and the integrity of sensory-motor functions and learning are discussed in this chapter.

A Qualitative Analysis of Knowledge Levels, Perceived Susceptibility, and Perceived Severity Surrounding Anal Cancer and Human Papillomavirus.

When examining health literacy and disease specific knowledge levels across ethnicities and communities, ethnic minority groups are known to be at a higher risk of being below the average health literacy threshold which is a factor linked to poor health status and higher mortality rates. This study examined disease specific knowledge levels, perceived severity, and perceived susceptibility surrounding anal cancer and HPV-related screening behaviors. The following research questions were explored: (1) "What are the common themes and/or beliefs when asked about anal cancer, HPV, and preventive screening?" and (2) "What are the common themes and beliefs surrounding the severity and susceptibility of contracting anal cancer?". This study utilized a cross-sectional design to survey 26 individuals regarding their knowledge level and perspectives regarding anal cancer and HPV. An 8-question survey was developed de novo based on an application of the Health Belief Model (HBM) elements. This study employed thematic analysis to explore critical themes to construct a model to understand knowledge levels, attitudes, and risk perceptions regarding anal cancer and intention to participate in preventive screenings. The fundamental attitudes and themes related to anal cancer risk and intention to participate in preventative screenings were elicited using a qualitative descriptive technique. Coded data was utilized to analyze themes based on (1) knowledge and (2) perceived risk, both severity and susceptibility. Overall, the findings indicate very low levels of knowledge regarding screening, anal cancer, and HPV across all genders. The low levels of anal cancer and HPV knowledge were seen in 13 coded segments (50% of surveys) which showed no familiarity with or comprehension of HPV, and 4 coded segments indicated no familiarity with anal cancer. In addition, 15 respondents (57%) had low or no preventive or screening-related knowledge. While some respondents (46%) illustrated high perceived severity for anal cancer, only 23% indicated high perceived susceptibility for anal cancer. The results from this study may be used to inform practitioners, providers, and policymakers in developing interventions addressing low levels of understanding and disease specific knowledge surrounding anal cancer in support of creating a standardized health screening procedure.

Cancer screening behaviors and health literacy levels of women aged 30 and over in the northwest Turkey

Cancer screening behaviors and health literacy levels of women aged 30 and over in the northwest Turkey

Cancer Screening Behavior among People Living with HIV: A Cross-sectional Study at an AIDS Core Hospital in Tokyo, Japan

Cancer Screening Behavior among People Living with HIV: A Cross-sectional Study at an AIDS Core Hospital in Tokyo, Japan

County-level colorectal cancer screening rates on colorectal cancer survival in the state of Georgia: Does county-level rurality matter?

Investigating CRC screening rates and rurality at the county-level may explain disparities in CRC survival in Georgia. Although a few studies examined the relationship of CRC screening rates, rurality, and/or CRC outcomes, they either used an ecological study design or focused on the larger population. We conducted a retrospective analysis utilizing data from the 2004-2010 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The 2013 United States Department of Agriculture rural-urban continuum codes and 2004-2010 National Cancer Institute small-area estimates for screening behaviors were used to identify county-level rurality and CRC screening rates. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression were performed. Among 22,160 CRC patients, 5-year CRC survival rates were lower among CRC patients living in low screening areas in comparison with intermediate/high areas (69.1% vs. 71.6% /71.3%; p-value = 0.030). Patients living in rural high-screening areas also had lower survival rates compared to non-rural areas (68.2% vs. 71.8%; p-value = 0.009). Our multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients living in intermediate (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98) and high-screening (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.85-0.99) areas were at 8%-9% reduced risk of CRC death. Further, non-rural CRC patients living in intermediate and high CRC screening areas were 9% (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83-0.99) and 10% (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.99) less likely to die from CRC. Lower 5-year survival rates were observed in low screening and rural high-screening areas. Living in intermediate/high CRC screening areas was negatively associated with the risk of CRC death. Particularly, non-rural patients living in intermediate/high-screening areas were 8%-9% less likely to die from CRC. Targeted CRC screening resources should be prioritized for low screening and rural communities.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Regarding Cervical Cancer and Screening among Women Visiting Selected Primary Health Centres in Ogbomosho, Nigeria

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in the world and its` prognosis is better when detected early through cervical cancer screening. The study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding cervical cancer and screening among women visiting selected primary health centres (PHCs) in Ogbomosho. The study was conducted in May 2021, employing a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample size of 124 respondents was determined using the Taro-Yamane formula and selected through convenience sampling technique. Data collection utilised a validated questionnaire, with analysis performed using descriptive statistics encompassing frequencies and percentages. Relationships between variables were tested using chi-square at a 0.05 significance level. Findings suggest that more than half (55%) had good knowledge of cervical and cervical cancer screening. The majority (70%) had a good attitude towards cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening. Less than one-third (21%) have had cervical cancer screening done before. Self-reported barriers limiting the practice of cervical cancer screening identified include lack of health education on cervical cancer screening (45.5%), lack of knowledge on the screenings (39.3%), absence of signs and symptoms of cervical cancer (39.3%), low socioeconomic status (29.5%), cost of the procedure (17.9%), unavailability of services (17.9%) and religious beliefs (14.3%). Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between the educational status of respondents and their knowledge of cervical cancer screening, likewise, a significant relationship exists between the knowledge of respondents and the practice of cervical cancer screening at P&lt; .05. Conclusively, the study has revealed the practice of cervical cancer screening was found to be low, indicating a disparity between knowledge/attitude and actual screening behaviour, although, knowledge was a key predictor of their screening practices. The way forward is to improve the knowledge of women on cervical cancer and screening via health education while efforts are being put in place to make cervical cancer screening services available at affordable cost.

Medical Mistrust on Prostate Cancer Screening: A mixed method study among African Americans, Caribbean immigrants and African immigrants.

The contribution of medical mistrust to healthcare utilization delays has been gaining increasing attention. However, few studies have examined these associations among subgroups of Black men (African Americans, Caribbean, and African immigrants) in relation to prostate cancer (PCa). This study addresses this gap by assessing how medical mistrust affects PCa screening behavior and to further understand perceptions of medical mistrust among subgroups of Black men. This research employs a mixed-methods approach comprising two distinct phases. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional examination was conducted to evaluate the influence of medical mistrust toward healthcare organizations on prostate cancer screening among 498 Black men. In Phase 2, a qualitative investigation was undertaken to delve into the nuances of medical mistrust through six focus groups (n=51) and ten key informant interviews (n=10). Logistic regression and grounded theory methods were employed for data analysis. Quantitative findings unveiled disparities in mistrust among subgroups, with Caribbean immigrants exhibiting higher levels of medical mistrust. Nevertheless, individuals with a family history of PCa showed elevated likelihoods of undergoing screening, despite mistrust. Qualitative results revealed 1) differences in reasons for medical mistrust among Black subgroups, 2) cultural perceptions which influence medical mistrust and medical care seeking, 3) lack of education in relation to PCa that contributes to medical mistrust, 4) negative past experiences and poor provider communication contribute, and 5) when PCa directly affected one's life, either personally or within the family, there was a recognized importance placed on monitoring one's risk despite mistrust. While medical mistrust may not significantly deter healthcare utilization among individuals with a family history or diagnosis of PCa, it underscores the variability of medical mistrust and its underlying reasons among different Black subgroups.

Socio-Demographic and Cultural Factors Influencing Male Spouses’ Support for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in Kiambu County, Kenya

Cervical cancer remains a significant global health concern, especially in low and middle-income countries, despite the availability of effective screening methods. While various factors contribute to the suboptimal uptake of screening among women of reproductive age, spousal support particularly from male partners has emerged as a crucial element in encouraging participation. This study explores the influence of male partners’ support on cervical cancer screening behavior, examining the socio-demographic, cultural, and regional factors that shape this dynamic. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design to explore the factors influencing cervical cancer screening rates among women and their male partners in Kiambu County, focusing on sociodemographic factors of the male partner as the independent variable and cervical cancer screening uptake among women as the dependent variable. Data was collected from n=384 respondents at Thika and Kiambu Level V hospitals, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to select participants, while data reliability was ensured through pre-tests and Cronbach’s Alpha (0.71). The study achieved a 98% response rate, analyzed qualitative data through thematic analysis, and quantitative data descriptively, revealing key insights into partner knowledge, cultural influences, and spousal support in cervical cancer screening. This discussion examines the intricate relationship between socio-demographic and cultural factors and male spousal support for cervical cancer screening among female partners’ and reveals a significant knowledge gap among men regarding cervical cancer, its association with HPV, and the importance of preventive measures, which limits their advocacy for their partners’ health. Additionally, traditional gender roles, cultural norms, and societal attitudes create barriers to open communication and collaborative healthcare decision-making within families. Misconceptions, such as the belief that cervical cancer is linked to sexual promiscuity, further fuel stigma and discourage male support for screening. Religious beliefs and fear of societal judgment also contribute to men’s hesitancy in promoting their partners’ participation in screening. The findings emphasize on the need for targeted education initiatives and cultural sensitivity in addressing these barriers, ultimately enhancing male support and improving cervical cancer screening rates.

3D printed porous membrane integrated devices to study the chemoattractant induced behavioural response of aquatic organisms.

Biological models with genetic similarities to humans are used for exploratory research to develop behavioral screening tools and understand sensory-motor interactions. Their small, often mm-sized appearance raises challenges in the straightforward quantification of their subtle behavioral responses and calls for new, customisable research tools. 3D printing provides an attractive approach for the manufacture of custom designs at low cost; however, challenges remain in the integration of functional materials like porous membranes. Nanoporous membranes have been integrated with resin exchange using purpose-designed resins by digital light projection 3D printing to yield functionally integrated devices using a simple, economical and semi-automated process. Here, the impact of the layer thickness and layer number on the porous properties - parameters unique for 3D printing - are investigated, showing decreases in mean pore diameter and porosity with increasing layer height and layer number. From the same resin formulation, materials with average pore size between 200 and 600 nm and porosity between 45% and 61% were printed. Membrane-integrated devices were used to study the chemoattractant induced behavioural response of zebrafish embryos and planarians, both demonstrating a predominant behavioral response towards the chemoattractant, spending >85% of experiment time in the attractant side of the observation chamber. The presented 3D printing method can be used for printing custom designed membrane-integrated devices using affordable 3D printers and enable fine-tuning of porous properties through adjustment of layer height and number. This accessible approach is expected to be adopted for applications including behavioural studies, early-stage pre-clinical drug discovery and (environmental) toxicology.

EXPLORING BREAST CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE FEMALE STUDENTS IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL DISCIPLINES

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a growing global health concern, impacting even developing nations like Pakistan. Timely detection is pivotal, relying heavily on awareness campaigns and screening practices. OBJECTIVES: This study delves into knowledge regarding breast cancer screening techniques and screening practices among undergraduate female students in Peshawar, Pakistan, encompassing both medical and non-medical disciplines. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive comparative observational study was conducted between April and July 2023. The research involved 600 students (301 medical, and 299 non-medical) who were surveyed through a self-constructed questionnaire. The data analysis encompassed demographics, breast cancer awareness, screening behaviors, and future intentions, providing a holistic perspective. RESULTS: Among participants, a noteworthy 96.7% (580) were already acquainted with breast cancer, but only 43.1% (250) had awareness of breast self-examination. Importantly, 46.4% (163) of the 580 participants who had never undergone screening cited a perceived low risk as the primary reason. Encouragingly, 70.7% (410) expressed their intent to commence screening in the future, with 34.3% (206) indicating an initiation age between 16 and 20 years. Information sources primarily included social media, teachers, and maternal guidance. CONCLUSION: The study accentuates the dire need for improved breast cancer education among female students, emphasizing the paramount importance of early detection. Key recommendations encompass educational initiatives within schools, hands-on self- examination workshops, and promoting consultations with healthcare professionals. KEYWORDS: Breast Cancer, Screening Practices, Early Detection of Cancer

Factors affecting cervical screening using the health belief model during the last decade: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To examine the utility of the health belief model (HBM) and other socioeconomic factors in shaping cervical screening behaviors. Also, to provide recommendations on improving screening uptake. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane/CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for articles reporting on the factors associated with cervical screening using the HBM within the period from January of 2002 to January of 2023. Effect sizes for the various HBM constructs were pre-determined using the log odds ratio (logOR) and expressed with their confidence intervals. All reporting was in line with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 21 studies were included in the final analysis comprised of 15,365 participants. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that perceived susceptibility (OR: 1.40, 95% CI, 1.03-1.89), perceived benefits (OR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.13-1.50), and self-efficacy (OR: 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17) were significantly associated with both the uptake of and intention to adopt preventive measures against cervical cancer. Conversely, women with higher perceptions of barriers were less likely to adopt any measure for cervical cancer screening or prevention (OR: 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91). In terms of sociodemographic effectors, older age (OR: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19), graduate/post-graduate education (OR: 2.80; 95% CI, 1.46-5.37), higher knowledge of cervical cancer (OR: 2.21; 95% CI, 1.27-3.84), and being married (OR: 3.89; 95% CI, 1.38-10.92) were all associated with altering preventive behaviors and intentions toward cervical cancer. This review delineates the most important and effective cognitive components that should be targeted within interventions aiming to promote cervical cancer prevention.

Factors associated with prior completion of colorectal cancer and hepatitis C virus screenings among community health center patients: a cross-sectional study to inform a multi-behavioral educational intervention.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) and liver cancer are two of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States and persistent disparities in CRC and liver cancer incidence and outcomes exist. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the main contributors to liver cancer. Effective screening for both CRC and HCV exist and are recommended for individuals based upon age, regardless of gender or sex assigned at birth. Recommendations for both screening behaviors have been recently updated. However, screening rates for both CRC and HCV are suboptimal. Targeting adoption of multiple screening behaviors has the potential to reduce cancer mortality and disparities. To examine psychosocial factors associated with completion of CRC and HCV screenings in order to inform a multi-behavioral educational intervention that pairs CRC and HCV screening information. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with participants (N = 50) recruited at two community health centers in Florida (United States). Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to examine associations between completion of both CRC and HCV screening, CRC and HCV knowledge, Preventive Health Model constructs (e.g., salience and coherence, response efficacy, social influence), and sociodemographic variables. Most participants were White (84%), female (56%), insured (80%), and reported a household income of $25,000 or less (53%). 30% reported ever previously completing both CRC and HCV screenings. Prior completion of both screening behaviors was associated with higher educational attainment (p = .014), having health insurance (p = .022), being U.S.-born (p = .043), and higher salience and coherence scores for CRC (p = .040) and HCV (p = .004). Findings demonstrate limited uptake of both CRC and HCV screenings among adults born between 1945 and 1965. Uptake was associated with multiple sociodemographic factors and health beliefs related to salience and coherence. Salience and coherence are modifiable factors associated with completion of both screening tests, suggesting the importance of incorporating these health beliefs in a multi-behavioral cancer education intervention. Additionally, health providers could simultaneously recommend and order CRC and HCV screening to improve uptake among this age cohort.

DEMENTIA-RELATED STIGMA, KNOWLEDGE, AND WILLINGNESS TO UNDERGO COGNITIVE SCREENING AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Screening for dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease may be most beneficial at the earliest detectable stages of disease presentation, yet there is no definitive recommendation for routine cognitive impairment screening and dementia remains underdiagnosed. Identifying perceptions of cognitive screening, stigmatized beliefs, and misconceptions about dementia could be beneficial for creating interventions that promote dementia knowledge to improve early screening and diagnosis and empower older adults to seek treatment sooner. Thus, we examined the extent to which attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge about cognitive screening and dementia predict willingness to undergo screening and subsequent screening behavior. 295 subjects aged ≥ 60 years completed online surveys containing the Perceptions Regarding Investigational Screening for Memory in Primary Care (PRISM-PC) questionnaire to assess attitudes about dementia screening and diagnosis, as well as the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). Participants were then invited to complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in a university psychology laboratory. 94% of participants reported willingness to undergo screening, but only 69% completed one. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the screening acceptance scale of the PRISM-PC significantly predicted reported willingness to undergo screening but not the pursuit of screening. The other PRISM-PC subscales (perceived benefits of dementia screening, stigma of dementia screening, suffering from dementia screening, and impact of dementia screening on patient’s independence) and the ADKS did not predict willingness or pursuit of screening. While most were willing to undergo screening, significantly fewer completed screening within the study. The factors that predict pursuit of cognitive screening require further investigation.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING AMONG OLDER NON-HISPANIC CARIBBEAN BLACK WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of the second leading cause of death—cancer, which impacts racial and ethnic groups differently. The mortality rate of breast cancer among Black women is 40% higher than that of non-Hispanic White women. Early detection is critical for improving survival rates and reducing health disparities by race and ethnicity over the life course. However, the heterogeneity (i.e., within-group differences) among Black women in the United States is often overlooked, and relatively little is known about specific sub-populations of Black women and breast cancer screening. Of those sub-populations, Afro-Caribbean women in the United States tend to have different demographic and cultural backgrounds (e.g., a higher % of immigrants), for example, from African/African American women. Thus, this study examined factors associated with breast cancer screening among non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women. Using seven waves (2011-2017) of the National Health Interview Surveys data, we analyzed a sample of non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women living in the United States (age 40-75 years; n = 552). The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that the years in the United States were positively associated with breast cancer screening in the past 12 months among non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women (odds-ratio = 1.39, standard-error = 0.15, p &amp;lt; 0.05), after adjusting for the selected covariates. However, age was not associated with breast cancer screening behaviors. Our findings support breast cancer prevention efforts specifically targeting middle-aged and older non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women who have newly immigrated to the United States.