The meaning of health in mammography screening for African American women.
Inadequate use of mammography screening for early detection of breast cancer is an important factor associated with the disproportionate breast cancer death rates in African American women. To improve understanding of the mammography screening experience and health for African Americans, focus groups were held with 30 African American women. Seven categories emerged: (a) the mind, body, and spirit connection: (b) living your life; (c) looking good; (d) good health-bad health; (e) prevention-detection confusion; (f) being afraid of cancer; and (g) what gets in the way. Implications for developing tailored messages and for addressing system barriers are discussed.
Russell
Kathleen
K
Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana 46077, USA. katrusse@iupui.edu
Swenson
Melinda M
MM
Skelton
Alta M
AM
Shedd-Steele
Rivienne
R
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007196:Indiana; D008327:Mammography / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019222:Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health