Correlates of misperception of breast cancer risk among Korean-American Women. Issue 6 (17th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Jiyun; Huh, Bo Yun; Han, Hae-Ra
• Is Part Of: Women & health. Volume 56:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 634
• Page End: 649
• Publication Date: 2016-08-17
• Subjects: Asian -- behavior -- breast cancer -- mammography -- psychosocial -- uterine cancer; Women -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Women -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Women's health services -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Women in medicine -- Periodicals; 613.0424405
• DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2015.1118722
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-0242

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this study, the authors investigate the factors associated with misperception of breast cancer risk, including unrealistic optimism and unrealistic pessimism, among Korean-American women (KAW). Baseline data were collected between March 2010 and October 2011 from 421 KAW aged 40–65 years who participated in a community-based randomized intervention trial designed to promote breast and cervical cancer screening. Multivariate multinomial regression was performed to identify correlates of misperception of breast cancer risk among KAW. A total of 210 KAW (49.9%) had breast cancer risk perception consistent with their objective risk, whereas 50.1% of KAW in the study had some form of misperception of risk. Specifically, 167 participants (39.7%) were unrealistically optimistic about their own breast cancer risk; 44 (10.5%) were unrealistically pessimistic. In multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis, living with a partner and higher education were significantly associated with higher odds of having unrealistic optimism. High social support is associated with a lower likelihood of having a pessimistic risk perception. Higher worry is associated with a higher likelihood of having unrealistic pessimism. Misperception of breast cancer risk among KAW and related factors must be considered when developing behavioral interventions for this population.