JSI Staff Publish Article on County-Level Disparities in Mammography

JSI Senior Research Scientist Karen Schneider co-authored an article titled 'Using Small-Area Estimation to Describe County-Level Disparities in Mammography' in October 2009 Preventing Chronic Disease Journal.

Breast cancer control is a research area that could benefit from estimating prevalence at the substate level. Most of the data available on the use of preventive services, like mammography, are national and state data, and studies have identified correlates of cancer screening on these geographic levels by using national health survey data.

Research is needed on subpopulations defined by geographic units smaller than the state because findings from the national or even state level often do not translate to the contextual experience of women on the county or neighborhood level. Substate variation in mammography prevalence has been found for metropolitan statistical areas and counties with adequate sample size (e50). Geographic gaps exist in mammography interventions; certain areas disproportionately receive funds and outreach. Women who are not screened may be concentrated in locations with particular screening barriers.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which geographic disparities exist in mammography and the extent to which the magnitude and distribution of geographic disparities vary by race and age. Please read the article to know more about the methods, results and conclusions of the study.

The article was written in collaboration with Kate L. Lapane, PhD, Melissa A Clark, PhD, and William Rakowski, PhD.

Preventing Chronic Disease is a peer-reviewed electronic journal established to provide a forum for public health researchers and practitioners to share study results and practical experience. The journal is published by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.