The use of mammography vans by low-income women: the accuracy of self-reports

Am J Public Health. 1994 Jan;84(1):107-9. doi: 10.2105/ajph.84.1.107.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-reports of mammography use by low-income income women. Mammography van records were used to verify self-reports of mammography use in the past year by women aged 50 through 75 years who had visited five community health centers (n = 237). Van records verified mammography use for 99% of these women (82% within the previous year and 98% within the past 2 years). Forty percent of those with van records who reported both the month and year of the mammogram were accurate. Inaccurately reported dates were more frequently after (74%) rather than before (26%) the actual date. These findings indicate that self-reports of mammography use by low-income women are generally reliable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Health Units / statistics & numerical data*