Knowledge and beliefs of breast cancer among elderly women in Puerto Rico.
This is the first national study of breast-cancer knowledge, beliefs, and early detection practices among elderly women (65+) in Puerto Rico. Cancer breast examination (CBE) was the most common early detection practice, followed by the mammogram, with breast self exam (BSE) a distant third. The primary reasons most often cited for never having a mammogram related to both personal and external factors: not having symptoms, negligence or forgetfulness, and not having a physician's referral. No statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between knowledge and early detection practices. Conversely, beliefs had an impact on preventive behavior. Those who had less misconceptions were most likely to have had a CBE or a mammogram. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that age was associated with performing a BSE once or twice monthly, ever having a mammogram, and having a mammogram in the past two years. A higher socioeconomic status was associated to performing BSE and ever having had a mammogram. Education correlated positively to ever having a mammogram or having a mammogram in the two years prior to the interview. Factors that explained compliance with a mammogram in the last two years included referral from a physician, owning a car, and receiving information after menopause on breast cancer from a health care provider. A gynecological visit increased the probability of having had a mammogram during the last two years. Logistic regression determined that a referral from a physician was the most important factor for mammogram compliance when a combination of variables were considered.
Sánchez Ayéndez
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Program of Gerontology, Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Suárez-Pérez
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Vázquez
M O
MO
Vélez-Almodóvar
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H
Nazario
C M
CM
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011647:Puerto Rico; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors