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Breast Cancer Knowledge and Mammography Use Among Asian American Women Aged 40 and Older: Using the Transtheoretical Model Approach

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Abstract

Mammography screening rates remain low among Asian American women (AAW). The aims of our study were to: (a) assess breast cancer knowledge and mammography screening behaviors, and (b) identify the factors related to the transtheoretical model (TTM) stages of change in relation to mammography utilization among AAW aged 40 and older. Using a cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 714 AAW completed a structured questionnaire in 2021. Participants demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and mammography. Only 34.2% of the participants reported obtaining regular mammograms. The ordinal logistic regression indicated that age, birthplace, health perception, breast biopsy history, breast cancer knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were correlated with TTM stages of change. Our results highlight the need for implementing effective interventions aimed at increasing knowledge and screening rates for breast cancer among AAW. Additional TTM studies with AAW are needed to determine the relationships among TTM constructs and develop theory-based programs to improve adherence to screening guidelines. Future research using a mixed-method design may provide opportunities to explore complex phenomena associated with breast cancer screening behaviors. Finally, further assessments of the Breast Cancer Knowledge Scale’s psychometric properties are necessary to improve this instrument.

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Acknowledgements

This study was partially funded by the Faculty Development Support Award, School of Medicine, University of Nevada Reno. The authors would like to thank all the respondents and data collectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Valley Foundation School of Nursing, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, Health Building #403, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA

    Wei-Chen Tung

  2. Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Yinghan Chen

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Tung, WC., Chen, Y. Breast Cancer Knowledge and Mammography Use Among Asian American Women Aged 40 and Older: Using the Transtheoretical Model Approach. J Immigrant Minority Health 26, 140–147 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-023-01529-7

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