Rates and correlates of discomfort associated with mammography

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.