A MODEL FOR DESCRIBING LOW-INCOME AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMENS PARTICIPATION IN BREAST AND CERVICAL-CANCER EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENING

The article reports on data derived from two investigations. In one st udy, focus groups were used with low-income African American women to pilot test a teaching module developed to support the inclusion of cul turally relevant content on breast and cervical health in teaching low -income African American women. A second study using individual interv iews was undertaken to illuminate the lived experience of low-income A frican American women who participated in breast and cervical cancer e arly detection and screening services. Data analysis of group and indi vidual interviews were performed using phenomenology as a methodologic al approach. Findings from the two studies, combined with information identified in the theoretical and literary contexts, supported the dev elopment of an Afrocentric model that describes the lived experience a nd decision making practices of low-income African American women's pa rticipation in breast and cervical cancer early detection and screenin g services.