Mammography and underserved women in Walla Walla : an examination of mammography-related knowledge, perceptions, and use

This research aimed to explore the status of and relation between mammography knowledge, perceptions, and utilization for underserved women in Walla Walla, Washington. A review of the literature highlighted key social determinants of health that were used to focus this research, such as ethnicity and the impact of economic, social, and cultural resources. To ground this research, this study relied on Bourdieu’s capital theory and intersectionality theory as well as the concept of health seeking behavior.

This study utilized a multi-method approach with the aim of gaining patients’ perspectives via a questionnaire (n=27) as well as health professional’s perspectives via semi-structured interviews (n=5). It was found that some, but not all underserved women have obtained mammography and that cost is the most commonly identified barrier to screening. Most women appear to not be aware of the Life Saver Fund though the majority report being more likely to get mammography upon learning of this Fund. All underserved women appear to have a basic knowledge of mammography and most view it as an important part of their health care. Latinas within this sample, however, appear more motivated to obtain screening than non-Latinas. However, these findings are not representative of all underserved women in Walla Walla.