Breast Health Perceptions and Screening Behaviors Among Myanmar American Immigrant Women

Objectives: To understand and describe attitudes toward general health checkups, breast health knowledge, cultural beliefs, and health-promoting behaviors among Myanmar American immigrant women in the United States.

Sample & Setting: 267 women participated in the study. 10 women were excluded because of missing data, so the total sample size was 257 participants.

Methods & Variables: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey design was used to describe and investigate breast health perceptions and behaviors.

Results: Nearly 75% of the study sample reported having negative attitudes toward general health checkups and were found to have less accurate breast health knowledge and more fatalistic views about breast cancer. Only 29% of older women adhered to mammogram recommendations. Younger women reported more barriers to mammograms, and older women reported fewer barriers to mammograms.

Implications for Nursing: This study demonstrated the need for additional research focusing on unique perspectives when investigating breast health practices among Myanmar American immigrant women. The findings highlight the essential need to build a strong partnership with stakeholders to combat breast health disparities and address the complex nature of acculturation.