Jewish identity and intentions to obtain breast cancer screening.
This study explored the associations between 2 dimensions of Jewish identity (cultural identification and religious practice) and intentions to perform breast cancer screening. Ashkenazi Jewish women (N = 220) completed surveys as part of an ongoing study of breast cancer risk counseling. Multiple regressions examined the relationships between the 2 identity measures and intention to follow routine recommendations for mammography, intention to perform monthly breast self-exam, and interest in genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility. Cultural identity positively predicted interest in testing, whereas religious identity was inversely related. Religious identity was a significant predictor of intention to adhere to mammography recommendations. Findings show that culture and religion, although correlated, may have different associations with health attitudes.
Bowen
Deborah J
DJ
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, MP900, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. dbowen@fhcrc.org
Singal
Roberta
R
Eng
Eugenia
E
Crystal
Susan
S
Burke
Wylie
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003469:Culture; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007585:Jews / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014861:Washington; D016387:Women's Health