Demographic and BSE
Data analysis showed no significant correlation among age, marital status, education, and family history of breast cancer. the finding were in accord with similar studies on AA women. In contrast to graham's study, this study's finding revealed decrease BSE frequency associate with young adults (19 and younger), older adults (60 and older), and marital status (windowed). Young women (age 20-29) has the highest frequency score in a year(32.6%), followed by the 40-49 range. the results demonstrate that as age increase, frequency decrease.
In contrast, Graham's reported that AA women over 40 perceive breast cancer to be a greater threat and, therefore, were more motivate than younger women regarding breast cancer prevention and early screening measures such as BSE and mammograms. data analysis indicated that decrease BSE frequency was associated not only with the 60 and older women but also 20 and younger group as well. The younger women may understandably not view cancer as a threat, thus perceiving compliance with BSE practice as a was of time. A possible explanation could be that the older AA women may lack the motivation to practice breast screening and health promoting activities because they may perceive a lack of control over the outcome of a potential disease, like breast cancer, and also may have no understanding ot the benefits of BSE or the confidence to do it correctly.
Additionally, the older women may be focused on chronic diseases that take priority over seemingly simple tasks such as BSE. Champion examined factors that predicted mammography and BSE in a group of low-income AA women and found that low frequency of BSE was associated with marriage and widowhood.
In summary, the results of this study suggested that breast cancer screening practices among AA women are complex and difficult to generalize. Health care providers should continue their efforts to increase the knowledge base of this population by making cultural appropriate learning tools available. They should also implement measures to improve the cultural competence of health professionals delivering care to this group.