Congress Abstracts 2003

116

SISTERS FOR BREAST HEALTH: IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY. Karen McGough, ARNP, MS, AOCN^®, Sandra Jones, MS, ARNP, and Maria Scruggs-Weston, BS, St. Anthony’s Health Care, St. Petersburg, FL.

Sisters for Breast Health (SFBH) is an innovative community health program whose purpose is to promote early detection of breast cancer by providing breast health education and facilitating mammogram utilization for African-American women over 40 who reside in South Pinellas County, Florida. Needs assessment have determined that African-American women in South Pinellas County are medically underserved, specifically in the area of breast health. Data from the American Cancer Society and the tumor registry of St. Anthony’s Health Care is consistent: African-American women have a slightly lower incidence of breast cancer than white women, but higher mortality. Furthermore, the American Cancer Society recommends increased participation in routine screening mammography and detection to decrease mortality and improve survival.

SFBH utilizes the concept of “Sistah Parties” with women in the African-American community coming forward to serve as hostesses in their own homes. The “Sistah Parties” offer women a chance to get together for an enjoyable evening where the focus is breast health. The program revolves around the concept that, with knowledge and support, women are strengthened and empowered to take control of their health. Barriers to participation in annual screening mammograms are fear, putting needs of others before self needs, lack of trust in the system, little knowledge about prevention, and a fatalistic attitude that breast cancer cannot be successfully treated. SFBH specifically addresses these barriers through “Sistah Parties.”

Health behavior change is a process that is dynamic; therefore, evaluation of long-term cultural change is in process. It is evident that that “Sistahs” are progressing along the continuum. Current evaluation methods consist of measuring the number of women who participated and received education and the number of participants who followed though with having a mammogram. Through pre-tests, post-tests, and surveys, the “Sistahs” have shown statistical improvements in knowledge about breast health, likelihood of having yearly mammogram, comfort level in having a mammogram, and comfort level in speaking with women in your family about breast health. Cancer early-detection programs in the African-American community can be improved by designing programs that incorporate methods to promote health behavior change within the culture.