American Indian community leader and provider views of needs and barriers to mammography

J Community Health. 2012 Apr;37(2):307-15. doi: 10.1007/s10900-011-9446-7.

Abstract

Breast cancer incidence is rising and mortality is disproportionately high among American Indians and Alaska Natives, yet screening rates remain low. Using community-based participatory research, we conducted interviews with community leaders (n = 13) and providers from the Indian Health Service, tribal clinics, and urban safety-net clinics (n = 17). Participants in both groups identified similar needs, including culturally-appropriate mammography education, use of Native elders as patient navigators, and an emphasis on preventive care. Pertinent barriers included culturally-specific issues (e.g., historic mistrust and gender roles), cost, transportation, and fear of mammography and potential results. The results reflect the struggles of promoting mammography across diverse populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Breast Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / ethnology*
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American / psychology*
  • Kansas
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Missouri
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Qualitative Research
  • United States / epidemiology
  • United States Indian Health Service