Differences in the frequency of use of breast cancer control methods in Black and white women: An application of the Health Belief Model

Abstract

<p>The purposes of this study were to describe differences in the frequency of use of breast cancer control methods (mammogram (MAM), clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE)) and health beliefs about breast cancer and breast cancer control methods, and to assess the usefulness of health beliefs about breast cancer and breast cancer control methods in predicting use of breast cancer control methods among black and white women. The Breast Cancer Control and Health Beliefs Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were collected from 117 black and 157 white female professional educators who were 35 to 69 years old and had never had breast cancer. Statistical tests utilized for data analysis were the t-test, chi-square test, ANOVA, and logistic regression procedures. A minimum statistical power of.80 was used to test for differences at the.05 level of significance. The findings indicated no significant difference in the frequency of use of MAM and CBE. A difference in frequency of use of BSE had borderline significance. A significant difference was found between the two groups for barriers to MAM and CBE and for perceived control with CBE; the difference in perceived control with MAM and in perceived benefits of BSE indicated borderline significance. The predictive ability of the health belief model for use of MAM, CBE, and BSE was the same for black and white subjects. Recommendations for future research included replication studies with more diverse samples. Other studies should explore BSE practice of black women; variables of perceived barriers to MAM and CBE, perceived control for CBE, and cues to action. Some attention should be devoted to establishing the minimum level (score) of the health beliefs needed for MAM, CBE, and BSE to occur.</p>