title: [Qualitative analysis on screening mammography compliance among middle-aged women in Puerto Rico].
abstract: Screening mammogram utilization is a critical issue in early detection of breast cancer. However, it is underutilized by different sectors, particularly low-income women. The objective of this study was to utilize the method known as focus group to probe into obstacles to screening mammogram among low-income women in the ages 40 to 64 in Puerto Rico once they had a physician's referral. The women in the study had knowledge of breast self-examination, clinical breast exam and mammogram as tests to detect breast cancer. Yet, they had no adequate knowledge about current screening guidelines. Attitudes toward pain or discomfort related to the mammogram and fear of a breast cancer diagnosis were the personal reasons most often cited for non-compliance in the focus group discussions. In the case of external or systemic barriers, the most prevalent reasons offered were: cost of the mammogram, transportation, and negative factors associated to the doctor-patient relationship.
authors.affiliation: Escuela Graduada de Salud Pública, Recinto de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067.
authors.forename: Melba
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sańchez Ayéndez
authors.forename: Ana Luisa
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Davila
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bustillo
authors.forename: Cruz Maria
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Nazario
authors.forename: Maria Celeste
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Larriuz
authors.forename: Gretchen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Martínez-Paz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011203:Poverty / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014186:Transportation; D014825:Vocabulary