Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is a significant women's health problem in the United States. However,
critical information on specific populations is still lacking. In particular, it is
not well known how free clinic patients perceive breast health. The purpose of this
study was to assess knowledge and perceptions of breast health among uninsured women
utilizing a free clinic that serves as a safety net for the underserved.
Methods
A self-administrated survey that included knowledge and perceptions of breast health
was conducted for female free clinic patients aged 40 or older in fall 2012. There
were 146 participants. The participants were classified into three groups for comparison;
U.S. citizen English speakers, non-U.S. citizen English speakers, and Spanish speakers.
Results
Spanish speakers had the highest average score on the knowledge of breast health,
whereas the non-U.S. citizen English speakers had the lowest average score. Free clinic
patients may consider breast health screening if recommended by health care providers.
The non-U.S. citizen English speakers and Spanish speakers were more likely to have
negative perceptions of breast health compared with the U.S. citizen English speakers.
Conclusions
Promoting knowledge about breast health is important for free clinics. Recommendation
by a health care provider is a key to increasing attendance at health education programs
and breast health screening. Non-U.S. citizens and non-English speakers would need
culturally competent interventions. Free clinics have limited human and financial
resources. Such characteristics of free clinics should be considered for practice
implementations.
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Biography
Akiko Kamimura, PhD, MSW, MA, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah. Her current research interests include minority and immigrant health, intimate partner violence, health disparities, and global health.
Biography
Nancy Christensen is formerly a resource development coordinator for the Maliheh Free Clinic.
Biography
Wenjing Mo, MS, is a doctoral student in the Department of Sociology at the University of Utah.
Biography
Jeanie Ashby, MA, is Executive Director for the Maliheh Free Clinic.
Biography
Justine J. Reel, PhD, LPC, CC-AASP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Promotion and Education at the University of Utah. Her research interests include eating disorder and obesity prevention, body image concerns, and physical activity promotion and exercise education.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 11, 2014
Accepted:
February 5,
2014
Received in revised form:
February 4,
2014
Received:
August 11,
2013
Footnotes
Funding: This work was supported by the Utah Cancer Action Network and the College of Social & Behavioral Science, University of Utah.
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
