Engaging Immigrant and Refugee Women in Breast Health Education

J Cancer Educ. 2015 Sep;30(3):593-8. doi: 10.1007/s13187-014-0751-6.

Abstract

This project assessed the impact of a community-based educational program on breast cancer knowledge and screening among Buffalo (NY) immigrant and refugee females. Program participants completed language-matched pre- and post-test assessments during a single session educational program; breast cancer screening information was obtained from the mobile mammography unit to which participants were referred. Pre- and post-test knowledge scores were compared to assess changes in responses to each of the six individual knowledge items, as well as overall. Mammogram records were reviewed to identify Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scores. The proportion of correct responses to each of the six knowledge items increased significantly on the post-program assessments; 33 % of women >40 years old completed mammograms. The findings suggest that a health education program for immigrant and refugee women, delivered in community-based settings and involving interpreters, can enhance breast cancer knowledge and lead to improvements in mammography completion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration
  • Cultural Competency
  • Early Detection of Cancer / statistics & numerical data
  • Educational Status
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Health Education / organization & administration*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Mammography
  • Middle Aged
  • Program Evaluation
  • Refugees*