Department of Radiology
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Parish 2013

 

Year: 2013

Title: Receipt of mammography among women with intellectual disabilities: Medical record data indicate substantial disparities for African American women

Country: United States

Age: Adult Only

Sex: Female

Population: Black

Care Setting: Outpatient Ambulatory and Primary Care

Clinical Setting: Breast Cancer Screening

Data Level: State

Data Type: EHR

Data Source: Local data

Conclusion: Disparities In All Minority Groups

Health OutComes Reported: No

Mitigation: No

Free Text Conclusion: Intellectually disabled black patients less likely than intellectually disable white patients to get mammograms.

Abstract: Background: Little information exists on the receipt of mammography by African American women with intellectual disabilities. Given the high rates of mortality from breast cancer among African American women and low screening rates among women with intellectual disabilities, it is important to understand the health screening behavior of this population. Objective: We compared rates of mammography receipt among African American and White women with intellectual disabilities (n = 92) living in community settings in one Southeastern state in the United States. Method: Data were collected from women's medical records or abstraction forms obtained from medical practices. Multivariate logistic regressions were modeled for receipt of mammography in one year, one of two years, or both study years (2008e 2009). Covariates included the women's age, living arrangement, severity of impairment, and urban/rural residence location. Results: In 2009, 29% of African American women and 59% of White women in the sample received mammograms. Similar disparities were found for receipt of mammography in either 2008 or 2009 and both 2008 and 2009. These disparities persisted after inclusion of model covariates. White women with intellectual disabilities received mammograms at adjusted rates that were nearly three to five times higher than African American women. Conclusion: African American women with intellectual disabilities receive mammography at significantly lower rates than White women with intellectual disabilities. Assertive measures to improve the screening rates for African American women with intellectual disabilities are urgently needed.