Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Mammography Among Women Using an Urban Public Hospital

Although overall use of mammography is steadily increasing, low-income and minority women consistently have relatively lower screening rates than white, middle-class women. To assess the mammography-seeking behavior of low-income women using an urban public hospital, this study sought to understand why women in this population decide whether or not to obtain a screening mammogram. Two qualitative techniques, elicitation interviews and focus groups, were used to develop an understanding of attitudes, concerns, and barriers of this group relative to mammography. Fear, embarrassment, susceptibility to breast cancer, inconvenience, cost, concerns about efficacy of mammography, fear of acquiring cancer, and scheduling difficulties were identified as important concerns. "People in the news" were the most influential social referents for mammography decision making, followed by physicians, family members, and friends. The insights gained from these women will assist in developing interventions that encourage mammography-seeking behavior by low-income women.