Understanding Mammography Use Disparities Across the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Mobley Lee R, Kuo Tzy-Mey, Driscoll David, Clayton Laurel, Anselin Luc
Primary Institution: RTI International
Hypothesis
Does geographic variation influence mammography utilization among women over 64 with breast cancer?
Conclusion
Mammography use varies significantly across different states, influenced by local community characteristics and individual factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Women living in communities with higher commuter intensity are less likely to use mammography.
- Flu shot recipients have a higher probability of utilizing mammography.
- Segregation effects on mammography use vary by race and state.
Takeaway
This study shows that where you live can affect how likely you are to get a mammogram, especially for older women with breast cancer.
Methodology
The study used multilevel modeling to analyze mammography use among women over 64 across 11 states, considering individual and contextual factors.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in race and ethnicity coding may affect the accuracy of findings for non-white populations.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and findings may not generalize to all regions due to varying sample sizes.
Participant Demographics
Women over age 64, with a breast cancer diagnosis, from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds across 11 states.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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