Modifying a breast cancer risk factor survey for African American women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a breast cancer risk factor survey for use with African American women.


METHODS
Two focus groups consisting of women randomly selected from the patient population of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI.


METHODS
A large, vertically integrated, private, nonprofit health system.


METHODS
Focus Group I consisted of 11 African American women aged 18-50, with a mean age of 41 years. Focus Group II consisted of nine African American women aged 51 and older, with a mean age of 60.9 years.


METHODS
A qualitative approach was used to gather and interpret the focus group data.


METHODS
Perceptions of a breast cancer risk factor survey and perceptions of breast cancer risk factors.


RESULTS
The focus group participants suggested ways to improve the survey. Women in the younger age group appeared to lack awareness regarding breast cancer risk factors. Women in the older age group reported not knowing their family health histories.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on comments made by the focus group participants, the survey was modified substantially. Breast cancer risk factors were perceived differently by women in the two age groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of a survey of a large, ethnically diverse sample of women could inform the development of culturally and age-appropriate nursing interventions designed to address breast cancer risk perceptions and enhance the likelihood of adherence to recommended mammography screening guidelines.
Ford
Marvella E
ME
Department of Psychiatry and Cancer Research in Diverse Populations, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA. mford@ bcm.tmc.edu
Hill
Deanna D
DD
Blount
Angela
A
Morrison
John
J
Worsham
Maria
M
Havstad
Suzanne L
SL
Johnson
Christine Cole
CC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044383:Black People; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D001741:Black or African American