Factors influencing mammography screening of Chinese American women.

OBJECTIVE To explore factors influencing breast cancer screening behavior among Chinese women residing in the United States. DESIGN A descriptive study guided by the health belief model adapted for Chinese American women. An English-language questionnaire was modified, translated, and pretested before use in the study sample. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate analysis techniques. SETTING An urban area in Michigan in 2001. PARTICIPANTS A consecutive nonprobability sample of 206 Chinese American women age 40 and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The percentage of women age 40 and older who received a mammogram in the past year. RESULTS Access to health care, perceived barriers to mammography screening, need for breast health care, and information-seeking behavior had direct effects on Chinese American women's mammography screening utilization. Cultural affiliation had an indirect effect on breast cancer screening behavior, moderated through access to health care. The variance in mammography screening explained by these factors was 51%. CONCLUSION Effective strategies for promoting breast cancer screening among Chinese American women should address ways to improve information-seeking behaviors and access to health care. Cultural affiliation and beliefs should be considered when counseling Chinese American women regarding breast cancer screening.