Correlates of breast cancer screening among Asian Americans enrolled in ENCOREplus.

This study examines the correlates of mammogram utilization among predominantly low income Asian American women using cross sectional data of women recruited through the ENCORE(plus) program (n = 1,695) between July 1996 and June 1998. Logistic regression was used to examine the independent effect of variables corresponding to Andersen's behavioral model of health services utilization on mammography screening behavior. Foreign-born women living in the U.S. < 5 years and between 5 and 10 years were significantly less likely to have ever had a mammogram than women who were born in the U.S. (OR 0.22; CI 0.12, 0.40 and OR 0.48; CI 0.27, 0.86, respectively). Women 40-49 years old were half as likely to adhere to mammography screening recommendations as women 50-64 years (CI 0.33, 0.76). Health insurance was positively associated with adherence to mammography screening guidelines (OR 1.59; CI 1.02, 2.48). The results of this study highlight the need for health education about breast cancer and mammography among Asian American women. Policy work also needs to be directed toward improving access to health care in this community.