MAMMOGRAM UTILIZATION AMONG FARM WOMEN

Utilization of preventive health care services is lower in rural popul ations than in urban populations, possibly as a result of barriers to preventive health care that are characteristic of rural settings. This study was constructed to identify factors associated with mammogram u tilization among farm women. Mammogram utilization among farm women fr om six southern Minnesota counties was examined as part of a larger co mmunity-based cancer intervention study. Farm women aged 40 and older were randomly selected from a list of farm households and interviewed by telephone to determine mammogram utilization and factors related to utilization. Of the 606 respondents, 78 percent reported ever having a mammogram and 49 percent reported a mammogram within the past year. Physician recommendation for a screening mammogram and family history of breast cancer were found to be associated with ever having a mammog ram. Correct knowledge of mammogram screening guidelines was associate d with a mammogram within the past 12 months. Overall, physician recom mendation was the most influential determinant of utilization. As more emphasis is placed on prevention, patient education by physicians cou ld have the greatest impact on mammogram utilization.