A comparison of two educational methods on immigrant Latinas breast cancer knowledge and screening behaviors.
Underutilization of screening mammography by Latinas continues unabated and may contribute to disparities in disease-free survival and mortality.


OBJECTIVE
Comparison of two discussion group-centered educational interventions at enhancing breast cancer knowledge, breast self-exams (BSE), and screening mammography.


METHODS
Pre-test post-test study design. Two cohorts of 200 Latinas each participated in survey screening and discussion groups at baseline. One cohort also viewed an animated video and had BSE training. Breast cancer knowledge, self-reported BSE and mammography history were measured at baseline and three months post-intervention.


RESULTS
Breast cancer knowledge scores were good for both groups at baseline, and significantly increased at three month follow-up for both groups (p<.05) but no significant difference was observed between groups at baseline or post-intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Community-based discussion groups are a cost-effective method for improving breast cancer knowledge and promoting screening behaviors.
Calderón
José Luis
JL
Department of Socio-behavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328-2018, USA. drcalderon@sbcglobal.net
Bazargan
Mohsen
M
Sangasubana
Nisaratana
N
Hays
Ron D
RD
Hardigan
Patrick
P
Baker
Richard S
RS
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D016504:Breast Self-Examination; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology*; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014743:Videotape Recording