Mammography screening among Arab American women in metropolitan Detroit

J Immigr Minor Health. 2008 Dec;10(6):541-9. doi: 10.1007/s10903-008-9140-8.

Abstract

Mammography screening behavior has not been well studied among Middle Eastern immigrant women. We conducted a telephone survey of 365 Arab American women residing in metropolitan Detroit, home to one of the largest populations of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US, to determine prevalence of factors associated with mammography, and attitudes and beliefs regarding mammography screening. Of 365 participants, only five were born in the US. Mean age was 53.2 years (SD 10.8). Two hundred twelve (58.1%) reported having mammogram every 1-2 years; 70% ever had mammogram. Age 50-64 years, having health insurance, married status, being in the US over 10 years, and being Lebanese were associated with mammography every 1-2 years. After adjusting for demographic factors, perceived seriousness of disease, general health motivation, and having fewer barriers were associated with more frequent screening. Appropriate mammography screening is decreased in this group. Targeted outreach regarding screening is appropriate for this population; however, lack of insurance may prevent adequate follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arabs / ethnology
  • Arabs / psychology
  • Arabs / statistics & numerical data*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Humans
  • Mammography / psychology
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data*
  • Michigan / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Pilot Projects