Abstract
Despite the effectiveness of cancer screening procedures, its utilization among Latinas remains low. Guided, in part, by the
Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, this study examined the associations between predisposing, enabling, and need
factors with self-reported breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening adherence. Participants were 319 Mexican–American
women, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, living near the United States-Mexico border. Women were adherent with breast
cancer (BC) screening (≥42 years) if they had received at least one mammogram within the last 2 years, with cervical cancer
(CC) screening (≥40 years) if they had received at least one Pap exam in the last 3 years, and with colorectal cancer (CRC)
screening (≥52 years) if they had undergone one or more of the following: Fecal Occult Blood Test within the last year, or
sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years, or colonoscopy within the last 10 years. BC and CC screenings were higher in the current
sample compared to national and state figures: 82% with mammography and 86% adherent with Pap exam screening. However, only
43% were adherent with CRC screening recommendations. Characteristics associated with mammography adherence included CC adherence
and usual source of care. BC adherence was associated to CC adherence. Characteristics associated with CRC adherence included
BC adherence, being premenopausal, and insurance coverage. A key correlate of cancer screening adherence was adherence to
other preventive services. Results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that Latinas of all SES levels obtain
regular and timely cancer screenings.
Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, this study examined the associations between predisposing, enabling, and need
factors with self-reported breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening adherence. Participants were 319 Mexican–American
women, from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, living near the United States-Mexico border. Women were adherent with breast
cancer (BC) screening (≥42 years) if they had received at least one mammogram within the last 2 years, with cervical cancer
(CC) screening (≥40 years) if they had received at least one Pap exam in the last 3 years, and with colorectal cancer (CRC)
screening (≥52 years) if they had undergone one or more of the following: Fecal Occult Blood Test within the last year, or
sigmoidoscopy in the last 5 years, or colonoscopy within the last 10 years. BC and CC screenings were higher in the current
sample compared to national and state figures: 82% with mammography and 86% adherent with Pap exam screening. However, only
43% were adherent with CRC screening recommendations. Characteristics associated with mammography adherence included CC adherence
and usual source of care. BC adherence was associated to CC adherence. Characteristics associated with CRC adherence included
BC adherence, being premenopausal, and insurance coverage. A key correlate of cancer screening adherence was adherence to
other preventive services. Results underscore the need for continued efforts to ensure that Latinas of all SES levels obtain
regular and timely cancer screenings.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s10900-011-9459-2
- Authors
- Patricia Gonzalez, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Sheila F. Castaneda, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Paul J. Mills, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Gregory A. Talavera, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 110, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- John P. Elder, Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Linda C. Gallo, SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
- Journal Journal of Community Health
- Online ISSN 1573-3610
- Print ISSN 0094-5145