Adherence to recent screening mammography among Latinas: findings from the California Women's Health Survey

Abstract

Objectives: Latinas are less likely than other racial/ethnic groups to engage in mammography rescreening, but little research has examined why Latinas overdue for screening have not had a mammogram recently. This study investigates the factors that affect adherence to screening mammography guidelines among previously screened Latinas.

Methods: Data are from a population-based, random-digit-dial annual probability survey of California women. Participants included 1298 Latinas aged > or =40 who ever had a mammogram. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine what factors differentiate adherence to recent screening (having a mammogram < or =2 years ago) from being overdue for screening (having a last mammogram >2 years ago). Perceived barriers to screening were also examined among women overdue for a mammogram. Relationships between self-reported perceived barriers to screening and the identified differentiating factors were assessed using chi-square tests.

Results: Adherence to recent mammography was reported by 83.9% of previously screened Latinas. When controlling for significant covariates, factors associated with adherence to recent screening included being aged 50-64, having a college education, preferring to interview in Spanish, having health insurance, and reporting a usual source of care (p < 0.05). Lack of affordability was the most frequently cited perceived barrier to screening among Latinas overdue for screening. Age, education, health insurance, and usual source of care were significantly associated with specific perceived barriers to screening mammography.

Conclusions: Results underscore the impact that affordability of, knowledge about, and convenience in obtaining mammograms have on adherence to recent screening. Strategies to improve mammography adherence among Latinas may need to consider that solely improving access to insurance or a regular source of healthcare, although important, may not be sufficient to improve rates of Latinas' screening mammography adherence.