Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

An evaluation study of a breast health program for incarcerated women

McIntosh, Briana (2015) An evaluation study of a breast health program for incarcerated women. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Submitted Version

Download (437kB)

Abstract

The majority of women in jail come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have limited education, and have experienced inadequate and inconsistent health care prior to incarceration. Lack of awareness of breast health information and services due to issues with health care delivery programs and funding within correctional facilities may tend to put women serving time at higher cancer mortality and morbidity rates. Therefore, programs tailored to this underserved population have a critical public health significance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Taking Charge: Steps to Breast Health promotion program at the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) in Pittsburgh, PA. Pre- and posttest data were collected during three sessions at the ACJ and included 204 participants between 19-64 years of age. Data were collected via a pen-and-paper assessment tool distributed prior to and after programming at one session in four female housing pods at the ACJ on July 31st, October 30th, and January 29th. The pre- and posttest established participants’ knowledge of breast health information, likelihood of receiving the recommended screening within the next year, confidence in detecting and recognizing changes in their breast via self-breast exams, and confidence in ability to reducing risk of breast cancer through lifestyle choices. Assessments for women under 40 included questions relating to clinical breast exams, while the assessments for women over 40 included questions relating to mammography. Participants under 40 (28.2%, n=35) indicated that they have never received a clinical breast exam. Similarly, 30.0% (n=24) of women over 40 reported that they have never received a mammogram. All findings were statistically significant and supported the hypothesis that after programming, participants would report better knowledge, self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities to know when to receive the age-appropriate breast health screening, to detect any changes in their breasts via self-breast examination, and to alter their lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of breast cancer, also improved likelihood of receiving a clinical breast exam or mammogram. Furthermore, this evaluation shows the feasibility and effectiveness of tailoring an existing community program for breast health promotion to a population of jailed women.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
McIntosh, Brianablm88@pitt.eduBLM88
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairHawk, Marymeh96@pitt.eduMEH96
Committee MemberElias, Thistleelias@pitt.eduELIAS
Committee MemberGarland, RichardRIG11@pitt.eduRIG11
Committee MemberFapohunda, Abiaof3@pitt.eduAOF3
Date: 15 June 2015
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 14 April 2015
Approval Date: 15 June 2015
Submission Date: 9 April 2015
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 66
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 Incarcerated Women Health Education
Date Deposited: 15 Jun 2015 19:08
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:27
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24546

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item