Acculturation, Breast Cancer Knowledge, and Stages of Change for Mammography among Hispanic/Latina Women Aged 40 and Older in the USA.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Hispanic/Latina women in the USA. Mammography utilization in this group falls below Healthy People 2030 targets. Our study examined (a) breast cancer knowledge and mammography behaviors, and (b) the associations between demographics, acculturation, and breast cancer knowledge with the transtheoretical model (TTM) stages of change related to mammography in this population. Methods: This study used a quantitative design with a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from 473 participants recruited via community outreach, social media, and referrals. Results: Participants showed higher acculturation and moderate breast cancer knowledge. Among participants, 66% had regular mammograms, 14.4% never had one, and 19.7% had inconsistent or discontinued screenings. Older participants, non-U.S.-born, primarily Spanish speakers, unmarried, unemployed, less educated, uninsured, without a primary care provider, and with lower acculturation and breast cancer knowledge were more likely to be in the TTM precontemplation/contemplation/preparation stage or exhibit inconsistent screening. Conclusion: Our results identified participants with specific demographics, lower acculturation, and limited breast cancer knowledge as being at higher risk of never receiving or inconsistently obtaining mammograms, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address socio-demographic barriers and increase knowledge. More TTM studies involving Hispanic/Latina women are needed.