PURPOSE: To explore the rates and correlates of discomfort at mammography i
n asymptomatic women aged 50-74 years from six San Diego, Calif, mammograph
y facilities.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects (N = 1,800) completed a 43-item telephone i
nterview approximately 3 weeks after screening mammography. Bivariate assoc
iations between variables were analyzed with chi(2) analysis. Logistic regr
ession was used to assess the independent predictors of discomfort at mammo
graphy while controlling for all other factors.
RESULTS: Nine hundred thirty-three (52%) women reported moderate to extreme
discomfort at mammography. Discomfort was not related to the intention to
undergo future mammography (P = .95). Factors that were significantly assoc
iated with discomfort in multivariate analyses were facility (P < .001), sa
tisfaction with care (P < .04), and perception of the technologist's "rough
ness" (P < .001).
CONCLUSION: Discomfort, although not related to the intention to undergo fu
ture mammography, had a relatively high incidence.