The relationship between social network characteristics and breast cancer screening practices among employed women

This study examined the relationship between social network characteristics and breast cancer screening practices among employed women. We hypothesize d that larger social networks, higher levels of support from networks, and stronger social influences to undergo screening would be positively associa ted with regular utilization of mammograms and clinical breast examinations . Data were collected from women aged 52 and over who were Employed in 27 w orksites (N = 1,045). Social network characteristics, breast cancer screeni ng practices and sociodemographic factors were assessed in a self-administe red survey. Bivariate analyses revealed that social influences were signifi cantly associated with regular screening; social support was only marginall y associated with regular screening; and social network size was not at all associated. In multivariate analyses, only the perception that screening i s normative among one's peers was predictive of regular screening. Provider recommendation was the single most potent predictor of regular screening. These findings provide support for the importance of social norms in motiva ting women to adhere to screening guidelines. In addition, they underscore the potent impact of provider recommendations on women's screening practice s.