Breast Cancer and Mammography Screening: Knowledge, Beliefs and Predictors for Asian Immigrant Women Attending a Specialized Clinic in British Columbia, Canada.

Screening mammography (MMG) reduces breast cancer mortality; however, Asian immigrant women underutilize MMG. The Asian Women's Health Clinic (AWHC) was established to promote women's cancer screening amongst this population. This study evaluated the rate, and predictors, of MMG amongst women attending the AWHC. Women (N = 98) attending the AWHC completed a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression evaluated rate and predictors of MMG. Most participants (87 %, n = 85) reported having had a mammogram. Significant MMG predictors were: lower perceived MMG barriers [lifetime: OR (CI) 1.19 (1.01-1.49); past 2 years: OR (CI) 1.11 (1.01-1.25)], and knowing someone with breast cancer [past year: OR (CI) 3.42 (1.25-9.85); past 2 years: OR (CI) 4.91 (1.32-2.13)]. Even amongst women using preventive medicine, 13 % report never having had a mammogram. More research is needed into innovative interventions, e.g. the AWHC, and breast cancer-related outcomes amongst Asian immigrant women.

A content analysis of media coverage of the introduction of a smoke-free bylaw in Vancouver parks and beaches.

The Board of Parks and Recreation in Vancouver, BC approved a smoke-free bylaw in the city's parks, beaches and recreational facilities, effective 1 September 2010. We analyzed local news coverage and portrayal of the bylaw to understand the potential influence of news media on public perception of the bylaw in order to inform the media advocacy work of public health interest groups. We compiled a data set of newspaper articles (n = 90) and conducted a quantitative content analysis to examine content related to the outdoor smoke-free policy, including article slant, topics related to smoking and tobacco control, and any equity-related concerns raised. Newspaper coverage in Vancouver was largely supportive of the outdoor smoke-free bylaw. However, concerns over rights were frequently discussed in letters to the editor. Such equity concerns were rarely discussed in news articles, showing a potential disconnect between the concerns expressed in the media by members of the public and the coverage provided by print media.

A Canadian urban early pregnancy assessment clinic: a review of the first year of operation.

OBJECTIVE: To review the services provided by an early pregnancy assessment clinic (EPAC) in Vancouver, British Columbia, and to assess the characteristics of the women accessing their services and their satisfaction with the care provided. METHODS: The EPAC at BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre was opened in September 2007 to offer assessment of early pregnancy complications and management of early pregnancy loss. We conducted a review of the records of all patients who accessed the clinic in its first year of operation to review the origin of referrals, patient assessments, diagnoses, treatment, complications, and follow-up. Additionally, we distributed satisfaction surveys to patients. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients were referred to the EPAC in its first year of operation. Most referrals were from family physicians (38%), and the primary reason for referral was most commonly cramping and/or spotting (57%). The mean wait time for patients to be seen was 2.02 working days, and the majority of women (91%) were given a diagnosis at their first clinic visit. After assessment, 48% of women had manual vacuum aspiration or dilatation and curettage arranged, 21% had expectant management, and 17% required no treatment, because of complete miscarriage. While 94% of patients with non-viable pregnancies were treated at EPAC, 6% were referred to other health care agencies. In the satisfaction surveys completed, comments about the EPAC were largely positive and primarily focused on the emotional support and level of care received. CONCLUSION: In its first year of operation, the EPAC was well used and provided efficient and compassionate care. Patients reported high satisfaction with the quality of care received from staff, and showed particular appreciation for the emotional care received.