Patient-Physician Relationships and Mammography Use in Korean American Women

Breast cancer is prevalent and fatal in Korean American women (KAW) and KAW report low screening rates. This study examined the impact of patient-physician relationships on mammography use in KAW, focusing on patient-physician ethnic and gender concordance, distrust in health professionals, and accessibility to health care. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 340 KAW in North Carolina, and logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with mammography use. Having a non-Korean physician, regular check-ups, and physician recommendations were positively associated with getting mammography. Neither gender concordance nor distrust in health professionals predicted adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines. The findings highlight the critical roles of routine health care practice and usual source of care in compliance with the screening guidelines in KAW. Additional research is warranted to explore breast cancer screening recommendation behaviors and patterns of Korean American physicians compared to non-Korean counterparts.