Mammography screening prevalence and predictors among Arab American women in metropolitan Detroit Free

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Mammography screening behavior has not been well studied among Middle Eastern immigrant women. Metropolitan Detroit is home to one of the largest populations of Middle East immigrants in the US. By calling random households with Arab surnames identified through a directory service matched with an Arab surname file, we conducted a telephone survey of 365 Arab American women 40 years or older who had no history of breast cancer or breast "lumps". Our objectives were to determine prevalence of screening mammography, demographic factors associated with mammography screening, and attitudes and beliefs regarding mammography screening (using Health Belief Model). Of the 365 participants, only 5 were born in the US. Response rate among eligible women was 52.8%. Mean age was 53.2 years (SD 10.8). Two hundred twelve (58.1%) reported mammography every 1-2 years; 70% ever had mammogram. In polytomous multivariate regression, compared to women without mammography, women reporting mammography every 1-2 years were more likely to be 50-64 years old, have health insurance, be married, in US 11 or more years, and be from Lebanon. After adjusting for demographic factors, perceived seriousness of disease, general health motivation, and having fewer barriers were associated with more frequent screening. Specific barriers were "feeling funny or embarrassed", "mammograms are unpleasant", and "having a mammogram will make me worry about cancer". Appropriate mammography screening is decreased in this population group. Targeted outreach regarding screening is appropriate for this population; however, lack of insurance may prevent adequate referral and care of women with suspicious mammograms.