A Culturally Targeted Intervention to Promote Breast Cancer Screening among Low-Income Women in East Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

In Maryland, outreach initiatives have been unsuccessful in engaging low-income African American women in mammography screening. This study aimed to identify factors influencing screening rates for low-income African American women. Based on the Health Belief Model, a modified time series design was used to implement a culturally targeted intervention to promote a no-cost mammography-screening program. Data were collected from women 40 years of age and older on their history of mammography use and their knowledge and beliefs about breast cancer. A 50% screening rate was achieved among 119 eligible participants. Significant predictors of screening behaviors were perceived barriers, lack of insurance, and limited knowledge. This culturally targeted intervention resulted in an unprecedented screening rate among low-income African American women in Baltimore, Maryland.