The Role of Health Literacy in Reducing Negative Perceptions of Breast Health and Treatment Among Uninsured Primary Care Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. There are disparities in breast cancer mortality by race/ethnicity and socio-economic factors. Health literacy may have an impact on breast health disparities. In addition, learning about people's perceptions of breast health and treatment is important to understand why some do not seek a mammogram or treatment for breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between health literacy and negative perceptions of breast health and treatment among female uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic for underserved populations. Women utilizing a free clinic who were aged 40 years or older (N = 276) participated in a self-administered survey from September to December in 2015. Higher levels of health literacy were associated with lower levels of negative perceptions of breast cancer and treatment. Non-US born English speakers reported higher levels of negative perceptions of breast cancer and treatment than US born English speakers and Spanish speakers. While there were no significant differences in health literacy among the groups, US born English speakers were less likely to have had a mammogram in the past 3 years compared with non-US born English speakers and Spanish speakers. Future research should consider where women are obtaining information and how the method of exposure shapes their attitudes towards breast health and in turn, their rates of examinations for breast cancer. Cultural factors may be also important determinants of the perceptions and need to be further examined.

Impact of Breast Density Awareness on Knowledge about Breast Cancer Risk Factors and the Self-Perceived Risk of Breast Cancer

“…Women aware of their BD could more easily assess information within the health promotion domain based on the HLS-EU-Q47. In the current surveyed group of women, this subgroup had a higher level of education, which is consistent with literature data [ 22 , 34 , 35 ]. However, further research should clarify this result in more detail, and elucidate whether a higher level of health literacy could be a predictor of better BD awareness.…”

Delving deeper into disparity: The impact of health literacy on the surgical care of breast cancer patients

“…Those with low health literacy were more likely to report negative perceptions about breast cancer. For example, patients with low health literacy were more likely to endorse statements such as "If you have breast cancer, better not to know " and "the treatment for breast cancer is a long and painful process" and "embarrassing" 29 . Another study of 722 Mexican American women from Texas explored screening practices among women with inadequate or marginal health literacy.…”

Self-Reported Diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Lifestyle Change Among Uninsured Primary Care Patients

“…11 Another study on female free clinic patients suggests that female free clinic patients who have higher levels of health literacy are more likely to have lower levels of negative perceptions of breast cancer and treatment. 12 Further research is necessary to determine self-reported diagnoses of the 2 types of diabetes, including the relationship between health literacy and diabetesrelated health behaviors. The results on lifestyle change based on the regression analysis indicate that patients with type 2 diabetes only (based on perception) and/or patients of the diabetes clinic are not controlling their diabetes properly even if they receive comprehensive education on diabetes management.…”

“…11 Another study on female free clinic patients suggests that female free clinic patients who have higher levels of health literacy are more likely to have lower levels of negative perceptions of breast cancer and treatment. 12 Further research is necessary to determine self-reported diagnoses of the 2 types of diabetes, including the relationship between health literacy and diabetes-related health behaviors.…”