Multi-level barriers to obtaining mammograms for women with mobility limitations: post workshop evaluation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Mammogram screening is crucial for early breast cancer detection in middle-aged women.
• Women with mobility limitations face unique challenges in accessing preventive health services.
• The Promoting Access to Health Service (PATHS) workshop aimed to improve awareness of clinical preventive services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and facilitators to mammogram use among middle-aged women with mobility limitations.
• To evaluate the impact of the PATHS educational workshop on mammogram utilization.
• To understand the factors influencing screening adherence in this specific demographic.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving women aged 40-64 with mobility impairments who had not had a mammogram in 2 years.
• Participants were assigned to a PATHS workshop and received monthly follow-up phone interviews for 6 months.
• Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to assess barriers and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Identified individual barriers: comorbidities, family responsibilities.
• Identified interpersonal barriers: unclear provider communication, negative past experiences.
• Identified environmental barriers: healthcare access, insurance, finances; facilitators: reminders, proximity.

Conclusions:

• A multi-level intervention strategy is necessary to overcome identified barriers.
• Addressing individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors can promote mammogram use.
• Targeted interventions are essential for improving cancer screening in women with disabilities.