Medscape women's health
Volume 6, Issue 5, 2001

The role of physicians in mammography referral for older Caribbean women in Canada. (Article)

Hyman I.* , Singh M. , Ahmad F. , Austin L. , Meana M. , George U. , Wells L.M. , Stewart D.
  • a The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • b The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • c The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • d The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • e The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • f The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • g The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada
  • h The Centre for Research in Women's Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of TorontoOntario, Canada

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the proportion of immigrant and minority women who consult a general practitioner about their health is similar to that of their Canadian-born counterparts, studies suggest that they are less likely to be screened for breast cancer. This study examines physician characteristics associated with mammography referral and perceived barriers to mammography among family physicians serving the Caribbean community of Toronto. METHODS: The study consisted of a mail-back family physician survey. RESULTS: Among the 64 physicians who responded to the survey, over half reported that they were "very likely" to refer women for mammography during a regular preventive check-up. Among physician variables, only the amount of time spent on patient education was significantly associated with the likelihood of referral. Regarding perceived barriers, for male physicians, patient refusal and intervention causing patient discomfort were significantly associated with referral. For female physicians, only forgetting to provide service was identified as a significant barrier to referral. INTERPRETATION: An increased emphasis on patient education may help to increase screening referral among all physicians. Gender differences in perceived barriers to referral suggest that the gender of the physician is of major importance to the Caribbean community.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

Physician's Role Health Care Surveys psychological aspect radiography human epidemiology middle aged statistics Aged general practitioner clinical practice Central America ethnology gender identity health personnel attitude Attitude of Health Personnel Physician's Practice Patterns Humans Breast Neoplasms Mammography classification Canada breast tumor female patient referral Referral and Consultation questionnaire Caribbean Region Physicians, Family women's health patient education Article Ontario Questionnaires physician attitude Utilization Review patient attitude Patient Acceptance of Health Care Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035491058&partnerID=40&md5=ad9b30a4a4f88ae3f867c2451872c59f
ISSN: 15212076
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English