Closing the gap in mammogram screening: An experimental intervention among low-income hispanic women in community health clinics

Abstract

A low rate of mammogram screening exists among low-income Hispanic women.To address this disparity, an experimental intervention containing audiovisual and written media was conducted using the health belief model as a framework.The purpose of this study was to determine if low-income Hispanic women, more than 40 years of age, who received targeted cancer prevention education (n = 105) had a significantly greater perceived threat of breast cancer, greater benefits and lower barriers to screening, and stronger intentions to obtain mammograms compared to a control group (n = 105).Intervention participants reported significantly greater perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and mammogram screening intentions than the control group.Predictors of mammogram screening intentions, when controlling for covariates, included receiving the intervention, and having greater perceived benefits, self-efficacy, and lower barriers.Results demonstrate the effectiveness of a low-cost, theory-based intervention aimed at increasing mammogram screening to assist in the monitoring of Healthy People 2020 objectives.© 2011 by SOPHE.