A letter is not enough: Women's preferences for and experiences of receiving breast density information. Issue 7 (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kressin, Nancy R.; Wormwood, Jolie B.; Battaglia, Tracy A.; Slanetz, Priscilla J.; Gunn, Christine M.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 105:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 2450
• Page End: 2456
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Breast density notification -- Patient preferences -- Patient experiences -- Health literacy -- Racial/ethnic minorities; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.03.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Despite evidence of disparate uptake of breast density (BD) information, little is known about diverse women's preferences for and experiences learning about BD. Methods: Telephone survey among 2306 racially/ethnically and literacy diverse women; qualitative interviews with 61 survey respondents. Responses by participant race/ethnicity and literacy were examined using bivariate, then multivariable analyses. Interviews were content-analyzed for themes. Results: Most women (80%) preferred learning of personal BD from providers, with higher rates among Non-Hispanic Black (85%) than Non-Hispanic White women (80%); and among Non-Hispanic White than Asian women (72%, all ps<0.05). Women with low literacy less often preferred receiving BD information from providers (76% v. 81%), more often preferring written notification (21% vs. 10%); women with high literacy more often preferred learning through an online portal (9% vs 3%). Most women (93%) received BD information from providers (no between group differences). Qualitative findings detailed women's desires for obtaining BD information from providers, written information, and visual depictions of BD. Conclusions: When educating women about BD, one size does not fit all. Practice implications: Additional educational methods are needed beyond written BD notifications to sufficiently address the varying informational needs and preferences of all USA women. Highlights: To explore preferences and experiences for receiving breast density information, we surveyed and interviewed women. This approach is an important step when preparing health education materials that are accessible to a broad audience. We found race/ethnicity and literacy level differences in preferences for receiving breast density information. ·Findings suggest that a written letter alone is insufficient, and support the use of multi-modal educational materials.