Screening behaviors among African American women at high risk for breast cancer: do beliefs about god matter?
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- William N. Dudley, Professor Public Health Education (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: Purpose/Objectives: To examine the relationship between beliefs about God as a controlling force in health and adherence to breast cancer screening among high-risk African American women.
Design: Cross-sectional cohort.
Setting: In-person interviews in rural, southeastern Louisiana and telephone interviews conducted at the University of Utah.
Sample: 52 females who were members of a large kindred with a BRCA1 mutation; no subjects had breast cancer.
Methods: Survey through in-person or telephone interviews.
Main Research Variables: Belief in God as a controlling agent over health measured by the God Locus of Health Control (GLHC) scale; screening behaviors measured by self-report. Adherence was based on consensus-approved recommendations for BRCA1 carriers or women at risk of being carriers.
Findings: Bivariate analysis indicated that presence of a primary care provider and low GLHC scores were associated with seeking clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. With the variable "presence of a primary care provider" excluded, GLHC scores were inversely associated with seeking CBE and mammography.
Conclusions: African American women at increased risk for breast cancer and with high GLHC scores may have a decreased inclination to adhere to CBE and mammography recommendations.
Implications for Nursing: Assessing religious and spiritual beliefs and incorporating belief systems into education and counseling sessions may improve understanding and acceptance of presented material.
Screening behaviors among African American women at high risk for breast cancer: do beliefs about god matter?
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Created on 3/10/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Oncology Nursing Forum, 29(5),835-43
- Language: English
- Date: 2002
- Keywords
- African American women, Breast cancer, Beliefs about God, Screening behaviors