Predictors of adherence to screening mammography among Korean American women.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Korean American women (KAW). Many KAW are not aware of the importance of regular screening. This research estimates the rates of regular breast cancer screening and examines the predictors and barriers to obtaining regular mammograms.


METHODS
Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 459 KAW residing in Maryland. Study participants were recruited through Korean churches and senior housing.


RESULTS
About 33% had regular mammograms. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the strongest correlate of regular mammograms was knowledge of screening guidelines. Age, spoken English proficiency, and physician recommendations were associated with regular mammograms. Employment interacted with insurance: Employed women without insurance had lower rates of mammograms than those employed with insurance. The most frequent reason for not having regular mammograms was a woman's belief that she was at low risk for breast cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that knowledge of screening guidelines and physician recommendations for screening are important in this minority population. Culturally relevant educational programs about breast cancer screening should be developed for less acculturated women and recent immigrants.
Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. hjuon@jhsph.edu
Hee-Soon
HS
Juon
Miyong
M
Kim
Sharada
S
Shankar
Wolmi
W
Han
D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008396:Maryland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011336:Probability; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population