Screening behaviors among African American women at high risk for breast cancer: do beliefs about God matter?

This study examined the relationship between beliefs about God's control over health and adherence to breast cancer screening among African American women at high risk for breast cancer. Fifty-two unaffected females participated. The God Health Locus of Control Scale (GHLC) was used to measure belief in God's control over health. Screening was measured by self-report. Bivariate analysis indicated presence of a primary care provider (p = 0.04) and GHLC (p = 0.04) significantly predicted clinical breast exam (CBE) and mammography adherence. With presence of a primary care provider excluded from the final logistic model, GHLC was inversely associated with CBE and mammography (OR = 0. 88, CI = 0. 77-1.0). African American women at high risk for breast cancer with strong beliefs in God's control over health may adhere poorly to CBE and mammography recommendations. Nurses who assess their patients' beliefs may better help them recognize ways such beliefs may impact screening.