Jones, Jennifer Renee
(2011)
Exploring Women's Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators Related to the Breast Health Continuum of Care.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common type of female cancer across all populations in the United States. However, a gap remains in understanding the perceptions women have as they relate to breast health and the breast health Continuum of Care, which includes screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Many existing studies lack appropriate data which explore these perceptions. Through a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health and the Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, community-based participatory research was used to examine and understand the range of factors which affect a woman's ability to engage in the Continuum of Care. Concept mapping, an intensive, structured conceptualization process that produces a framework for how a group views a particular topic, was used. A strength of the method is that participants actively contribute to the research process through the generation of data, ensuring the final outcome is representative of their perspectives versus that of the researcher. Thirty-one women and one man from three areas in western PA (Pittsburgh, Meadville, and Huntingdon) participated in the concept mapping sessions. They identified 94 factors perceived to be related to the breast health Continuum of Care. Examples of factors include trust in doctors, cost of transportation, number of treatment choices, and cancer diagnosis no longer is a death sentence. Results were shown in a seven cluster concept map. Notable difference in cluster importance by location were explored. The public health significance of this research offers insight into the deficiencies and strengths of the health care community in addressing breast health and breast cancer needs of women. These findings are important for further research as it relates to women's perceptions around breast health and breast cancer. The research and partnership between the Graduate School of Public Health and Komen Pittsburgh has the potential to influence advocacy efforts, create a healthier environment in western PA, and inform testable hypotheses for future qualitative and quantitative, multi-level research on this topic.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
29 June 2011 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
4 April 2011 |
| Approval Date: |
29 June 2011 |
| Submission Date: |
5 April 2011 |
| Access Restriction: |
5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Breast Health Continuum of Care; Communty-Based Participatory Research; Concept Mapping |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-04052011-171532/, etd-04052011-171532 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 19:34 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:38 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6798 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}