An Analysis of the Relationship of Fear and Fatalism with Breast Cancer Screening

An Analysis of the Relationship of Fear and Fatalism with Breast Cancer Screening Among a Selected Target Population of African American Middle Class (AAMC) Women

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative study is to explore whether fear and fatalism influence compliance with breast cancer screening among members of a selected target population of African American middle class (AAMC) women. Using a cross-sectional analysis, a subsegment sample of 120 AAMC women, ages 35 and older and residing in Minnesota, was surveyed with an abridged version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS); this scale, in turn, is based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), the Champion Breast Cancer Fear Scale (CBCFS), and an adapted version of the Powe Fatalism Model (PFM). Results indicated that fear and fatalism belief scores were statistically related to breast cancer compliance. These barriers suggest a greater need for health interventions that are culturally specific, with the intention of improving the psychological aspects of health to address fear and fatalism. The social dimension of change should involve building cohesive physician-patient relationships. This action serves to counteract fear, fatalism, and negativism, and to increase the levels of comfort among those individuals who are more apprehensive about seeking health care services.

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