Cultural Constructs, Stage of Change, and Adherence to Mammography among Low-Income African American Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive relationships between cultural belief and stage of change and mammography adherence in low-income Midwestern African American urban women (N=321). Secondary analysis of questionnaire data measuring religiosity, racial pride, family collectivism, future and present time orientation, and stage of mammography screening adoption was conducted. Religiosity (OR=1.12; p=.002) and future time orientation (OR=1.12; p=.05) predicted mammography adherence with a positive association, while present time orientation (OR=0.91; p=.05) was significantly negatively associated. Religiosity (OR=1.11; p=.002) and future time orientation (OR=1.12; p=.05) were positive predictions of stage progression, whereas present time orientation (OR=0.90; p=.03) had a significant negative relationship. By identifying cultural variables that are related to mammography adherence in African American women, mammography-promoting interventions can be more effectively tailored.