Targeted intervention strategies to increase and maintain mammography utilization among African American women.
OBJECTIVE
We assessed the impact of a theory-based, culturally relevant intervention designed to increase mammography screening among African American women in 8 underserved counties in Alabama.


METHODS
Using principles derived from the Stages of Change, Community Health Advisor, and Community Empowerment models, we developed strategies to increase mammography screening. Trained volunteers (N = 143) provided tailored messages to encourage adoption and maintenance of mammography screening. We collected baseline and follow-up data on 1513 women in the communities targeted for the intervention. Our goal was to decrease the number of women in stage 1 (never screened) while increasing the number of women in stage 2 (infrequently screened) and stage 3 (regularly screened).


RESULTS
At baseline, 14% (n = 211) of the women were in stage 1, 16% (n = 247) were in stage 2, and 70% (n = 1055) were in stage 3. After the 2-year intervention, 4% (n = 61) of the women remained in stage 1, 20% (n = 306) were in stage 2, and 76% (n = 1146) were in stage 3.


CONCLUSIONS
Tailored motivational messages and peer support can increase mammography screening rates for African American women.
Division of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA. mfouad@uab.edu
Mona N
MN
Fouad
Edward
E
Partridge
Mark
M
Dignan
Cheryl
C
Holt
Rhoda
R
Johnson
Chris
C
Nagy
Sharina
S
Person
Theresa
T
Wynn
Isabel
I
Scarinci
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000407:Alabama; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data