Breast cancer screening behaviors among Korean American immigrant women: findings from the Health Belief Model.
This study examined the utilization of clinical breast examinations (CBEs) and mammograms among Korean American immigrant women and investigated how the six constructs of Health Belief Model (HBM) are associated with the receipt of breast cancer screening. Using a quota sampling strategy, 202 Korean American immigrant women were recruited in metropolitan areas in the northeastern United States. Approximately 64% of the participants reported having had at least one CBE in their lifetime, and about 81% of the sample had undergone at least one mammogram in their lifetime. Women who perceived themselves to be susceptible to breast cancer were more likely to have undergone a CBE, and women who had lower barriers to screening or demonstrated a higher level of confidence were more likely than their counterparts to undergo a mammogram. Findings suggest that HBM constructs such as susceptibility, barriers, and confidence should be considered when designing interventions aimed at promoting breast cancer screening.
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, USA hylee@umn.edu.
Hee Yun
HY
Lee
Free University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Mia Ju
MJ
Stange
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Jasjit S
JS
Ahluwalia
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000208:ethnology*; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000208:ethnology; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009511:New England; D055815:Young Adult
Health Belief Model; Korean American immigrant women; breast cancer screening; cancer screening disparity; clinical breast exam; mammogram