Exploring potential use of internet, E-mail, and instant text messaging to promote breast health and mammogram use among immigrant hispanic women in Los Angeles county

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Abstract

Breast cancer is now the leading cause of death in Hispanic women (HW). Internet, e-mail, and instant text messaging may be cost-effective in educating HWabout breast health and in reducing breast cancer mortality. We surveyed 905 HW women attending a free health fair about their technology use, acculturation, insurance status, mammography use, and breast cancer knowledge. Data were analyzed by t test or χ2 tests. Mean age was 51.9 ± 14.2 years (range, 18 to 88 years). Ninety-two per cent were foreign-born. Most had completed some high school (39%) or elementary (38%) education. Most (62%) were uninsured. The majority spoke (67%) and read (66%) only Spanish. Only 60 per cent of HW older than 40 years had a recent mammogram. HW older than 40 years who had not had a recent mammogram were younger (mean 54.9 ± 10.8 vs 58 ± 10.4 years) and less likely to have health insurance (25 vs 44%; P<0.001). Most HW never use the Internet (58%) or e-mail (64%). However, 70 per cent have mobile phones (66% older than 40 years), and 65 per cent use text messaging daily (58% older than 40 years, P = 0.001). In fact, 45 per cent wish to receive a mammogram reminder by text. Text messaging may be an inexpensive way to promote breast health and screening mammography use among uninsured HW. © Southeastern Surgical Congress. All rights reserved.

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Dang, C. M., Estrada, S., Bresee, C., & Phillips, E. H. (2013). Exploring potential use of internet, E-mail, and instant text messaging to promote breast health and mammogram use among immigrant hispanic women in Los Angeles county. In American Surgeon (Vol. 79, pp. 997–1000). https://doi.org/10.1177/000313481307901008

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