Barriers to Surveillance Mammography Adherence in Korean Breast Cancer Survivors.

Objectives: To identify barriers to surveillance mammography adherence in Korean breast cancer survivors (BCSs), which is crucial for early detection of recurrence and new cancers.

Sample & setting: 195 BCSs were recruited from a breast cancer clinic and its support groups at a South Korean hospital.

Methods & variables: This descriptive study used a cross-sectional design. Participants completed a self-administered multi-instrument survey based on a comprehensive framework for adherence, including individual characteristics, symptoms, quality of life, cognitive appraisal, social support, and healthcare system factors.

Results: Having had a mammogram within the past year was considered adherent (n = 177), and no mammography within the past year was considered nonadherent (n = 18). Logistic regression revealed that longer time since diagnosis (p < 0.001), greater depression (p = 0.024), and higher health services utilization (p < 0.001) were predictors of lower mammography adherence (chi square = 76.618, p < 0.001, R2 = 58%).

Implications for nursing: This is the first study to identify depression as a barrier to surveillance mammography in BCSs, suggesting that depression screening and treatment may be important for increasing adherence.