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Mammography Screening Among Arab American Women in Metropolitan Detroit

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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mammography screening behavior has not been well studied among Middle Eastern immigrant women. We conducted a telephone survey of 365 Arab American women residing in metropolitan Detroit, home to one of the largest populations of Middle Eastern immigrants in the US, to determine prevalence of factors associated with mammography, and attitudes and beliefs regarding mammography screening. Of 365 participants, only five were born in the US. Mean age was 53.2 years (SD 10.8). Two hundred twelve (58.1%) reported having mammogram every 1–2 years; 70% ever had mammogram. Age 50–64 years, having health insurance, married status, being in the US over 10 years, and being Lebanese were associated with mammography every 1–2 years. After adjusting for demographic factors, perceived seriousness of disease, general health motivation, and having fewer barriers were associated with more frequent screening. Appropriate mammography screening is decreased in this group. Targeted outreach regarding screening is appropriate for this population; however, lack of insurance may prevent adequate follow-up.

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Acknowledgements

This project was supported in part by a grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. The authors would like to acknowledge the exceptional work of the telephone interviewers, Bindiya Shah and Mariana Kakish.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 101 E. Alexandrine, 2nd floor, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Kendra Schwartz, Monina Bartoces & Joseph Monsur

  2. Arab American and Chaldean Council, Lathrup Village, MI, USA

    Monty Fakhouri & Amani Younis

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  1. Kendra Schwartz
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  2. Monty Fakhouri
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  3. Monina Bartoces
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  4. Joseph Monsur
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  5. Amani Younis
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Correspondence to Kendra Schwartz.

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Schwartz, K., Fakhouri, M., Bartoces, M. et al. Mammography Screening Among Arab American Women in Metropolitan Detroit. J Immigrant Minority Health 10, 541–549 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9140-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9140-8

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