Baseline Predictors of Informal Breast Health Promotion Among Participants Overdue for Screening

To address underutilization of breast cancer screening among Latines, one solution may be to identify participants, at baseline, who are likely to promote breast health after participation. We sought to (1) describe breast health promotion at baseline and (2) examine relevant predictors, using self-report data from 400 Latine participants. Breast health and mammography promotion were binary outcomes and validated with environmental data (message, modality, time). Predictors were measured with validated instruments, including (1) acceptability of breast health promotion (Likert items); (2) breast cancer screening knowledge (count); (3) limited cultural misconceptions (count); (4) knowing a health advocate/professional (binary); and (5) non-health volunteerism history (binary). About 35% of participants had promoted breast health, and 14% had promoted mammography. Modified Poisson regressions found that perceived acceptability predicted breast health (PR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.17, 1.99], p = 0.002) and mammography promotion (PR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.02, 2.55], p = 0.04), after accounting for age, nativity, education, income, and mammography history. Knowing a health advocate/professional also predicted breast health promotion (PR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.18, 1.98], p = 0.001). Our findings highlight potential factors to consider for future interventions to train participants to promote breast health.