Predictors of breast cancer screening among immigrant Iranian women in California.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the predictors of age-specific breast cancer screening participation among immigrant Iranian women aged 30 years and older.

METHODS

Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of women's breast cancer screening. The logistic regression results appear as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In general, screening rates for clinical breast examinations (CBE) and mammography among the participants in the current study were higher than levels set in the year 2010 Health Objectives and those reported for women nationally. These findings are inconsistent with previous studies on immigrant women living in the United States. However, the low rate of breast self-examinations (BSE) is consistent with previous findings of other immigrant women breast cancer screening studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first of its kind to explore predictors of Iranian immigrant women's breast cancer screening behaviors. This study provides valuable information to healthcare providers as well as researchers and public health educators. The findings can make a significant difference in designing guidelines for culturally sensitive interventions and educational material to improve breast cancer screening behaviors.