A 2-STEP INTERVENTION TO INCREASE MAMMOGRAPHY AMONG WOMEN AGED 65 ANDOLDER

Objectives. This study evaluated a two-step intervention for mammograp hy screening among older women. Methods. Four hundred and sixty women, identified from physician practices, were randomized to a control or a two-step intervention (physician letter and peer counseling call) gr oup. Women in the intervention group who obtained a:mammogram received a grocery coupon. Results. Over the 12 months of the study, more wome n in the intervention:group than in the control group obtained mammogr ams (38% vs 16%). The most dramatic differ ence was in the higher odds that women in the intervention group would obtain a mammogram within 2 months (odds ratio = 10.5). Conclusions. The intervention significan tly increased screening mammography. Future efforts must be multifacet ed and incorporate the unique concerns of older women.