Uncovering factors contributing to under-utilization of breast cancer screening by Chinese and Korean women living in the United States

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated factors influencing breast cancer screening utilization by Chinese and Korean women, living in the United States, and examined similarities and differences between the 2 sub-populations.

Design: Population-based cross-sectional surveys were used for comparisons.

Methods: A random sample of 180 women (Chinese = 117, Korean = 63), aged 40 years and older, who resided in an urban county of Michigan participated in the mail survey. Existing English questionnaires were modified for cultural appropriateness, translated into Chinese and Korean, and pre-tested. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, testing differences between means/percentages, and logistic regression.

Results: The sample population, similar to the Asian American population in general, was composed predominantly of immigrants with varying socioeconomic and health status. Approximately 56% of the women had received mammograms in the past 2 years, about 21% lower than the statewide rate for Michigan. The logistic regression indicated that women's mammography use was significantly associated with their ability to speak English, availability of health insurance, and knowledge of mammography (P < .05). Similarities and differences between sampled Chinese and Korean women existed in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics and the factors influencing their use of breast cancer screening.

Conclusions: Understanding minority women's cancer screening behavior has implications for designing appropriate interventions to meet their unique healthcare needs, thereby increasing screening rates and reducing mortality.