Predicting vitamin E and C consumption intentions and behaviors among factory workers based on protection motivation theory.

BACKGROUND: Study of antioxidant vitamin consumption behavior, especially in high-risk groups with high exposure to toxic metals to reduce metal toxicity, is emphasized. This study aims to examine the structural relationships between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior among cement factory workers. METHODS: Protection motivation theory and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 420 factory workers. Data were subjected to structural equation modeling to examine associations between knowledge, protection motivation theory constructs, and vitamin E and C consumption behavior. Efficacy of current recommended models was also explored. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling showed high explained variance within the constructs of protection motivation theory for vitamin E and C consumption behavior and intention (56-76%). The overall fit of the structural models was acceptable for both vitamin E and C behavior. Knowledge, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceived vulnerability predicted intention, which in turn predicted vitamin consumption behavior. Significant relationships between knowledge and self-efficacy, response efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and perceived severity were also found, while self-efficacy and response efficacy showed significant relationships with vitamin E and C consumption behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that response efficacy, self-efficacy, and intention showed as strong predictors of vitamin E and C consumption behavior, specific attention should be paid to coping appraisals and intention when designing intervention plans. Additionally, establishing the predicting role of knowledge for protection motivation theory constructs and protective behaviors should be integrated into intervention programs.

Targeting and Tailoring Health Communications in Breast Screening Interventions.

BACKGROUND: Members of underrepresented minority (URM) groups are at higher risk of disproportionately experiencing greater breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality and thus, require effective interventions that both appropriately target and tailor to their unique characteristics. OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe the targeting and tailoring practices used in the development and dissemination of three breast cancer screening interventions among URM groups. METHODS: Three national Community Network Programs (CNPs) funded by the National Cancer Institute have focused on breast cancer screening interventions as their major research intervention. Each targeted different populations and used participatory research methods to design their intervention tailored to the needs of their respective audience. The Alameda County Network Program (ACNP) to Reduce Cancer Disparities partnered with community members to design and conduct 2-hour "Tea Party" education sessions for Afghan women. The Kansas Community Cancer Disparities Network co-developed and deployed with community members a computerized Healthy Living Kansas (HLK) Breast Health program for rural Latina and American Indian women. The Johns Hopkins Center to Reduce Cancer Disparities employed a train-the-trainer COACH approach to educate urban African-American women about breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Each CNP program targeted diverse URM women and, using participatory approaches, tailored a range of interventions to promote breast cancer screening. Although all projects shared the same goal outcome, each program tailored their varying interventions to match the target community needs, demonstrating the importance and value of these strategies in reducing breast cancer disparities.

Developing a culturally competent faith-based framework to promote breast cancer screening among Afghan immigrant women.

For the tens of thousands of Afghan immigrant women currently living in the USA, religious and cultural beliefs can act as a barrier to health care access. Islamic frameworks and men's gatekeeping roles often control women's decision-making power about their health care needs. Gatekeepers, however, can be reconceived as facilitators empowered to protect the well-being of the family, and positive messages within Islam can foster collaborative investment in women's health. Drawing upon a pilot study utilizing community-based participatory research involving the largest Afghan community in the USA, this paper documents the need for culturally sensitive faith-based education to promote breast cancer screening among this growing population.

Afghan immigrant women's knowledge and behaviors around breast cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: This community-based participatory research was conducted to provide a preliminary understanding of how Afghan women in Northern California view their breast health. METHODS: Results were based on demographics and in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with 53 non-English-speaking first-generation immigrant Muslim Afghan women 40 years and older. RESULTS: Findings showed low levels of knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and low utilization of early-detection examinations for breast cancer among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings also suggest a significant need for a community-based breast health education program that recognizes the unique social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the Muslim Afghan community.

Predictors of breast cancer screening among immigrant Iranian women in California.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the predictors of age-specific breast cancer screening participation among immigrant Iranian women aged 30 years and older. METHODS: Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of women's breast cancer screening. The logistic regression results appear as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In general, screening rates for clinical breast examinations (CBE) and mammography among the participants in the current study were higher than levels set in the year 2010 Health Objectives and those reported for women nationally. These findings are inconsistent with previous studies on immigrant women living in the United States. However, the low rate of breast self-examinations (BSE) is consistent with previous findings of other immigrant women breast cancer screening studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first of its kind to explore predictors of Iranian immigrant women's breast cancer screening behaviors. This study provides valuable information to healthcare providers as well as researchers and public health educators. The findings can make a significant difference in designing guidelines for culturally sensitive interventions and educational material to improve breast cancer screening behaviors.