Influence of church attendance and spirituality in a randomized controlled trial to increase mammography use among a low-income, tri-racial, rural community

J Relig Health. 2008 Jun;47(2):227-36. doi: 10.1007/s10943-008-9159-0. Epub 2008 Jan 19.

Abstract

Background The influence of church attendance and spirituality on mammography use was studied among Native American, White, and African American women living in a rural county. Methods A randomized trial was conducted to increase mammography use. Women (n = 851) were randomly assigned to receive either an educational program delivered by a lay health advisor or a physician letter and brochure about cervical cancer screening (control group). Church attendance and spirituality were measured at baseline and mammography use was evaluated 12 months after enrollment using medical record review. Results Almost two-thirds of the women reported that they attended church at least once a week, and less than 4% were classified as having low spirituality. Church attendance (P = 0.299) or spirituality (P = 0.401) did not have a significant impact on mammography use. Conclusions Church attendance and spirituality did not impact mammography use.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • North Carolina
  • Poverty
  • Rural Population
  • Spirituality*
  • White People