Racial Differences in Perception of Breast Cancer Risk in Rural Southeast Georgia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2006
Publication Title
Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association
Abstract
Background: A university-public health collaborative was formed to more fully understand cancer risk among rural women in Georgia.
Objectives: This study sought to gain an understanding of racial differences with regard to behavioral risk, perception of breast cancer risk, and perception of barriers to screening.
Design: Differences in subjects’ risk and risk perception were assessed by creating, piloting, and administering a written survey at local health departments. Sample: A purposive sample of females enrolled in breast and cervical cancer screening programs in four rural counties in southeast Georgia (n = 147) were surveyed. Subjects were randomly invited to participate. Incentives were provided to enhance participation.
Results: White females were significantly more likely than were black females to perceive pollution (OR: 4.63; p = 0.038), smoking (OR: 2.39; p = 0.018), age (OR: 3.01; p = 0.013), and hormone replacement therapy (OR: 3.17; p = 0.005) as factors influencing their breast cancer risk, and to perceive cost as a barrier to screening (OR: 2.89; p = 0.032). From a risk perspective, black females were more likely than white females to have had five-or-more pregnancies (p = 0.005), and to have given birth before age fifteen (p = 0.011).
Conclusions: This study provided important baseline data about breast cancer risk necessary in developing effective health promotion programs.
Recommended Citation
Tedders, Stuart, Anthony V. Parrillo, Karl E. Peace, Jannell R. Knight.
2006.
"Racial Differences in Perception of Breast Cancer Risk in Rural Southeast Georgia."
Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association, 1 (2): 10-23.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/biostat-facpubs/31
