Processes Inherent in Mammography-Screening Decisions of Rarely or Never-Screened Women

Abstract

Breast cancer is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. A strong association exists between survival and early detection through regular mammography. Impoverished women underuse this life-saving screening, resulting in a disproportionate cancer burden. The study purpose is to discover the process of rarely or never-screened women's mammography-screening decisions. The sample consists of five rural, low-income, uninsured, and rarely or never-screened women. Grounded theory methodology is used to generate a new theoretical explanation of mammography-screening decision making. Findings include the central conceptual categories, intuitive dominance and intuitive certainty, which contribute toward an intuitive decision-making default. This intuitive thinking style weaves throughout two interrelated categories: (a) scarce, supportive, relational resources for learning and (b) dichotomous health care-seeking behaviors. Implications focus on a nontraditional client assessment whereby nurses can facilitate relational-based knowledge construction. Recommendations for future research include examination of the process of integrating intuition with reasoned thought for more fully informed decisions.

A Transformative Decision‐Making Process for Mammography Screening Among Rural, Low‐Income Women

“…Subsequent interview questions inquired about what was important and meaningful for the purpose of providing a larger context from which to interpret the data. Based on central conceptual categories identified in a previous study (Purtzer, 2010), additional questions focused on intuitive decision making, i.e., decisions made on an unconscious level characteristic of intuitive thought. Follow-up interview questions were based on concepts that emerged from the data, including (a) reasoned thought, i.e., a conscious thinking process involving effort, logic, and problem solving, (b) readiness for change, e.g., confidence, motivation, and importance of mammography, and (c) mammography and health care experiences.…”

Transformative Learning Theory: Facilitating Mammography Screening in Rural Women

“…Rural women may experience a sense of disenfranchisement (Findholt, 2010) and may be isolated from opportunities for dialogue (Purtzer, 2010). Rural women may experience a sense of disenfranchisement (Findholt, 2010) and may be isolated from opportunities for dialogue (Purtzer, 2010).…”