Knowledge and Perceptions of Breast Health Among Free Clinic Patients

• Published in: Women's health issues 2014-05, Vol.24 (3), p.e327-e333
• Main Authors: Kamimura, Akiko, PhD, MSW, MA, Christensen, Nancy, Mo, Wenjing, MS, Ashby, Jeanie, MA, Reel, Justine J., PhD, LPC, CC-AASP
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Ambulatory Care Facilities - economics; Ambulatory Care Facilities - utilization; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms - prevention & control; Clinics; Cross-Sectional Studies; Early Detection of Cancer; European Continental Ancestry Group - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; Hispanic Americans - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Mammography - statistics & numerical data; Medically Uninsured - statistics & numerical data; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Perception; Perceptions; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States; Women; Women's Health; Women's issues; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1049-3867; 1878-4321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2014.02.006

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.