Evaluating the persuasiveness of messages promoting mobile mammography among uninsured women.

Mobile mammography units (MMUs) can enhance access to breast cancer screening by providing convenient, cost-effective service, particularly for uninsured and underinsured women. However, prior studies indicate that acceptability concerns about quality and privacy, among other issues, may prevent women from utilizing MMUs. The current study employs a within-participant experimental design exposing participants to messages about different MMU characteristics to determine which characteristics are most effective in persuading them to use an MMU. The study also examined how messaging interacts with participants' ethnic identity to influence outcomes. Data were collected from a diverse sample of uninsured and underinsured women as part of a formative study to promote the utilization of a mobile mammography facility in Central Texas. Results of mixed-effect linear models show that messages about equity, appointment convenience, privacy and comfort, and quality of equipment and staff were rated as more persuasive than messages about convenience of location and language accessibility. However, Hispanic women rated language accessibility higher than other participants did. The results can guide MMU organizers and promotion managers as they determine the best approach to promote mobile mammography services in different communities.

Costs and Projected Effect of a Federally Qualified Health Center-Based Mailed Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Texas.

Introduction: Mailed stool testing for colorectal cancer (CRC) may improve screening uptake and reduce the incidence and mortality of CRC, especially among patients at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). To expand screening programs it is important to identify cost-effective approaches. Methods: We developed a decision-analytic model to estimate the cost, effects on screening and patient outcomes (CRCs detected, CRCs prevented, CRC deaths prevented), and cost-effectiveness of implementing a state-wide mailed stool testing program over 5 years among unscreened, age-eligible (aged 50-75 y) patients at FQHCs in Texas. We compared various outreach strategies and organizational structures (centralized, regional, or a hybrid). We used data from our existing regional mailed stool testing program and recent systematic reviews to set parameters for the model. Costs included start-up and ongoing activities and were estimated in 2022 US dollars from the perspective of a hypothetical third-party payer. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by using both incremental and average cost-effectiveness ratios. Results: Using either a statewide centralized or hybrid organizational configuration to mail stool tests to newly eligible FQHC patients and patients who have responded at least once since program inception is likely to result in the best use of resources over 5 years, enabling more than 110,000 additional screens, detecting an incremental 181 to 194 CRCs, preventing 91 to 98 CRCs, and averting 46 to 50 CRC deaths, at a cost of $10 million to $11 million compared with no program. Conclusions: A statewide mailed stool testing program for FQHC patients can be implemented at reasonable cost with considerable effects on CRC screening outcomes, especially when its structure maximizes program efficiency while maintaining effectiveness.

Telemedicine and Its Perceptions in a Border Community: A Review of How Health Care Technology Has Helped Increase Access.

Introduction: Telemedicine is a practical way of offering medical services to remote and underserved areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has provided convenient access to health care and has overcome barriers such as distance that prevent patients from receiving care. Border populations are impacted by this change in health care delivery. The goal of this study was to investigate how a border patient population perceives their experiences with telemedicine. Methods: We utilized telephone surveys of patients who had a recent telehealth visit at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Family Medicine Center clinic in El Paso, Texas. Survey measures included patients' demographics, a quality assessment of the patients' most recent telehealth visit and their experience, a comparison of the patients' telehealth visit to past in-person visits, and a rating of their telehealth visit. Result: Over 2,000 individuals (n = 2,040), primarily Hispanic females, older than the age of 44 years were identified for potential inclusion in the study. Of these, 928 had a contact attempt, of which 1,378 could not be contacted, 592 were invited, 70 declined leading to a response rate of 67.6% (number invited/completed the survey). Most patients agreed that during their most recent telehealth visit their clinician listened well (98.7%), spent adequate time with them (98.2%), was prompt (94.5%), explained things well (98.0%), and was someone they would recommend to others (97.2%). When comparing telehealth to in-person visits, patients reported the following: less wait time, easier convenience, and similar quality between virtual and in-person visits. Patients rated both their likelihood of using telehealth again and their likelihood of recommending telehealth to others as an 8.68 out of 10, on average. Patients 65 years old or older had 3.17 times greater likelihood of satisfaction with virtual visits when compared with patients younger than 45 years old (confidence interval [95% CI], 1.24-11.11). Patients also had less satisfaction with virtual visits if they had lower educational attainment (odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.81). Conclusions: We found that individuals in a border community had a positive experience with telehealth primary care visits. This approach may improve access to health care.

Effect of a Theory-Based Narrative Video on Colorectal Cancer Screening Intention, Knowledge, and Psychosocial Variables Among a Predominantly Hispanic Population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Latinx adults are overrepresented in late-stage CRC diagnosis as CRC screening utilization remains low among Latinx-identifying individuals. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a theory-based narrative video following a culturally appropriate storyline on CRC screening intention, knowledge, and psychosocial variables along the U.S.-Mexico border. We designed and analyzed a non-randomized pre-posttest evaluation of a narrative, culturally tailored video embedded within a community program. The study is set in the U.S.-Mexico border community. Outreach provided a link or QR code to access the survey. In all, 458 participants started the survey, and 304 completed the survey. Participants were recruited through flyers distributed throughout various community events by the program's community health workers and via social media. The intervention evaluated changes in participant's knowledge, perceived barriers, perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and perceived benefits and intention to screen. Participants were a mean age of 39 and identified mainly as female (72.7%) and Hispanic/Latinx (88.49%). After viewing the narrative video, participants had significantly improved perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and benefits, while perceived barriers and sense of fatalism significantly decreased. Paradoxically, this was associated with a significant decrease in knowledge scores. Results from this intervention suggest that a theory-based narrative video following a culturally appropriate storyline effectively improves psychosocial variables and intention to carry out CRC screening in a predominantly Hispanic border population.

Implementation and Evaluation of a Large Community-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

CONTEXT: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can significantly reduce incidence and mortality; however, screening rates are suboptimal. The lowest rates are among those with no usual source of care and the uninsured. OBJECTIVE: We describe the implementation and evaluation of a community-based CRC screening program from 2012 to 2015 designed to increase screening within a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border population. METHODS: The multicomponent, evidence-based program provided in-person, bilingual, culturally tailored health education facilitated by community health workers, no-cost primarily stool-based testing and diagnostic colonoscopy, and navigation. We recruited uninsured individuals due for CRC screening from clinics and community sites. An extensive qualitative and quantitative program process and outcome evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 20 118 individuals were approached, 8361 were eligible for screening; 74.8% completed screening and 74.6% completed diagnostic testing; 14 cancers were diagnosed. The mean age of participants was 56.8 years, and the majority were Hispanic, female, and of low socioeconomic status. The process evaluation gathered information that enabled effective program implementation and demonstrated effective staff training, compliance with processes, and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: This program used a population-based approach focusing on uninsured individuals and proved successful at achieving high fecal immunochemical test kit return rates and colonoscopy completion rates. Key factors related to its success included tailoring the intervention to our priority population, strong partnerships with community-based sites and clinics, expertise in clinical CRC screening, and an active community advisory board. This program can serve as a model for similar populations along the border to increase CRC screening rates among the underserved.

Understanding the role of access in Hispanic cancer screening disparities.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic populations in the United States experience numerous barriers to care access. It is unclear how cancer screening disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White individuals are explained by access to care, including having a usual source of care and health insurance coverage. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the 2019 National Health Interview Survey was conducted and included respondents who were sex- and age-eligible for cervical (n = 8316), breast (n = 6025), or colorectal cancer screening (n = 11,313). The proportion of ever screened and up to date for each screening type was compared.  Regression models evaluated whether controlling for reporting a usual source of care and type of health insurance (public, private, none) attenuated disparities between Hispanics and non-Hispanic White individuals. RESULTS: Hispanic individuals were less likely than non-Hispanic White individuals to be up to date with cervical cancer screening (71.6% vs. 74.6%) and colorectal cancer screening (52.9% vs. 70.3%), but up-to-date screening was similar for breast cancer (78.8% vs. 76.3%). Hispanic individuals (vs. non-Hispanic White) were less likely to have a usual source of care (77.9% vs. 86.0%) and more likely to be uninsured (23.6% vs. 7.1%). In regressions, insurance fully attenuated cervical cancer disparities. Controlling for both usual source of care and insurance type explained approximately half of the colorectal cancer screening disparities (adjusted risk difference: -8.3 [-11.2 to -4.8]). CONCLUSION: Addressing the high rate of uninsurance among Hispanic individuals could mitigate cancer screening disparities. Future research should build on the relative successes of breast cancer screening and investigate additional barriers for colorectal cancer screening. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: This study uses data from a national survey to compare cancer screening use those who identify as Hispanic with those who identify as non-Hispanic White. Those who identify as Hispanic are much less likely to be up to date with colorectal cancer screening than those who identify as non-Hispanic White, slightly less likely to be up to date on cervical cancer screening, and similarly likely to receive breast cancer screening. Improving insurance coverage is important for health equity, as is further exploring what drives higher use of breast cancer screening and lower use of colorectal cancer screening.

Effectiveness of a Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) Intervention among Hispanic Women.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, breast cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers among females and remains the second leading cause of cancer death. In addition, breast cancer is most likely diagnosed at an advanced stage among Hispanic females in the United States due to lower mammogram utilization. AIMS: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a multilevel, multicomponent community-based breast cancer screening intervention called the Breast Cancer Education Screening and NavigaTion (BEST) program. The primary outcome was the completion of a screening mammogram 4 months post-intervention. METHOD: We used a pragmatic approach for evaluation, utilizing a quasi-experimental delayed intervention design. We recruited women from the community aged between 50 and 75, uninsured or underinsured, and overdue for screening. RESULTS: Six hundred participants were recruited (300 intervention and 300 control). Among completers, the screening rate was 97% in the intervention group and 4.4% in the control group (RR = 22.2, 95% CI: 12.5-39.7, p < .001). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 65 (RR = 1.29, p = .047), perceived benefits (RR = 1.04, p = .026), curability (RR = 1.24, p < .001), subjective norms (RR = 1.14, p = .014), and fatalism (RR = .96, p = .004) remained significantly associated with screening outcome. CONCLUSION: A multicomponent, bilingual, and culturally tailored intervention effectively facilitated breast cancer screening completion in an underserved population of Hispanic women. Individuals with improved screening outcomes were more likely to have higher positive beliefs. Our study has important implications regarding using multicomponent interventions in increasing breast cancer screening completion in poorly screened populations. It also highlights differences in health belief motivation for breast cancer screening completion.

Mediators of screening uptake in a colorectal cancer screening intervention among Hispanics.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA. Although a number of CRC screening tests have been established as being effective for CRC prevention and early detection, rates of CRC screening test completion in the US population remain suboptimal, especially among the uninsured, recent immigrants and Hispanics. In this study, we used a structural equation modelling approach to identify factors influencing screening test completion in a successful CRC screening program that was implemented in an uninsured Hispanic population. This information will enhance our understanding of influences on CRC screening among historically underscreened populations. METHODS: We used generalized structural equation models (SEM) utilizing participant reported information collected through a series of surveys. We identified direct and indirect pathways through which cofactors, CRC knowledge and individual Health Belief Model constructs (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, fatalism and self-efficacy) and a latent psychosocial health construct mediated screening in an effective prospective randomized CRC screening intervention that was tailored for uninsured Hispanic Americans. RESULTS: Seven hundred twenty-three participants were eligible for inclusion; mean age was 56 years, 79.7% were female, and 98.9% were Hispanic. The total intervention effect was comparable in both models, with both having a direct and indirect effect on screening completion (n = 715, Model 1: RC = 2.46 [95% CI: 2.20, 2.71, p < 0.001]; n = 699, Model 2 RC =2.45, [95% CI: 2.18, 2.72, p < 0.001]. In Model 1, 32% of the overall effect was mediated by the latent psychosocial health construct (RC = 0.79, p < 0.001) that was in turn mainly influenced by self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism. In Model 2, the most important individual mediators were self-efficacy (RC = 0.24, p = 0.013), and fatalism (RC = 0.07, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study contributes to our understanding of mediators of CRC screening and suggests that targeting self-efficacy, perceived benefits and fatalism could maximize the effectiveness of CRC screening interventions particularly in Hispanic populations.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for generalized anxiety and panic disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive modality for treating major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Earlier studies evaluating therapeutic effects of rTMS on symptom scores of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD) have yielded inconsistent findings. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies assessing the effect of rTMS on symptom scores in patients with GAD or PD with or without psychiatric comorbidities using studies published up to April 2021. We used DerSimonian-Laird random effects models to obtain pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies consisting of 677 participants (404 treated with rTMS and 273 without rTMS) were included in this meta-analysis. In GAD patients with or without any comorbidities, rTMS therapy demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety (SMD = 1.45; P < .001) and depression (SMD = 1.65; P < .001) scores regardless of rTMS parameters. Overall anxiety (SMD = 0.24; P = .48) and panic severity (SMD = 1.19; P = .054) scores did not significantly improve after rTMS therapy in patients with PD. CONCLUSIONS: rTMS is safe and improves anxiety and depression scores only in GAD patients, regardless of underlying comorbidities or rTMS parameters.

An electronic medical records study of population obesity prevalence in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we determine the feasibility of using electronic medical record (EMR) data to determine obesity prevalence at the census tract level in El Paso County, Texas, located on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: 2012-2018 Body Mass Index (BMI kg/m2) data from a large university clinic system in was geocoded and aggregated to a census tract level. After cleaning and removing duplicate EMR and unusable data, 143,524 patient records were successful geocoded. Maps were created to assess representativeness of EMR data across census tracts, within El Paso County. Additionally, maps were created to display the distribution of obesity across the same geography. RESULTS: EMR data represented all but one El Paso census tract. Representation ranged from 0.7% to 34.9%. Greatest representation were among census tracts in and around clinics. The mean EMR data BMI (kg/m2) was 30.1, this is approximately 6% less than the 36.0% estimated for El Paso County using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Study (BRFSS) estimate. At the census tract level, obesity prevalence ranged from 26.6 to 57.6%. The highest obesity prevalence were in areas that tended to be less affluent, with a higher concentration of immigrants, poverty and Latino ethnic concentration. CONCLUSIONS: EMR data use for obesity surveillance is feasible in El Paso County, Texas, a U.S.-Mexico border community. Findings indicate substantial obesity prevalence variation between census tracts within El Paso County that may be associated with population distributions related to socioeconomics.

Evaluation of a Narrative Video to Promote Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer Among Latinas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an online-delivered, theory-based narrative video on cervical cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in a predominantly Latino community. METHODS: The study design was a nonrandomized pretest-posttest evaluation. The eligibility criteria included men and women 18 years or older not previously enrolled in our community cervical cancer screening program who had internet access. Participants were recruited via in-person county-wide flyer distribution and social media dissemination. The intervention involved a narrative video designed for Latinas delivered via the internet. The 17-minute video is novella style, with a culturally tailored storyline and setting that covers cervical cancer risk factors and statistics, importance of screening, and addresses testing barriers. The measures were knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, subjective norms, and self-efficacy. Analysis was performed using change scores for knowledge and psychosocial variables and descriptive statistics for satisfaction and acceptability of the video. RESULTS: Data from 227 surveys were analyzed; respondent mean age: 37.6 years; 98.8% female, 88.8% Hispanic; 42.0% had an annual income of $20,000 or less; and 85.2% had at least a high school education. Knowledge and all psychosocial variables improved significantly. More than 90% of the participants rated all of the satisfaction items as good or excellent. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A culturally appropriate narrative video about cervical cancer and screening disseminated online effectively improved knowledge and psychosocial variables among Latinas. Our findings indicate that health promotion interventions online could be effective for improving desired health behavior through a new means of educational dissemination by way of websites and social media outlets.

Outcomes of a Multicomponent Culturally Tailored Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention Among Underserved Hispanic Women (De Casa en Casa).

Hispanic women have almost double the cervical cancer incidence and are twice as likely to die from cervical cancer compared with non-Hispanic White women. Cervical cancer is preventable with screening, and based on available data, multiple component screening interventions have been proposed as a strategy to maximize screening, but such studies are lacking. We sought to test the effectiveness of a multicomponent screening intervention for primary prevention and early detection of cervical cancer among underserved Hispanic women. We conducted a prospective community-based cervical cancer screening intervention utilizing a quasi-experimental design. The intervention was theory based, delivered by bilingual community health workers, combined education and reduction of noneconomic barriers, and addressed economic barriers. Components included outreach, education, provision of no-cost Papanicolaou and human papillomavirus screening, on-site diagnostic and treatment colposcopy, and patient navigation with tracking to facilitate screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The main outcome was self-reported screening. We recruited 300 intervention group and 299 control group participants. Mean age of the sample was 44.7 years. The majority were Hispanic (98%), born in Mexico (79%), and had a Spanish-language preference (86%). In intention-to-treat analyses, the intervention group had a relative risk of screening of 14.58 (95% confidence interval = 8.57-24.80, p < .001) compared with the control group. A multilevel, multiple component culturally tailored bilingual cervical cancer screening intervention combining education, navigation, and no-cost screening can significantly increase cervical cancer screening uptake in a high-risk, underscreened population and has the potential to affect cervical cancer health disparities.

The association between metabolic syndrome and Hepatitis C virus infection in the United States.

PURPOSE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the prevalent risk factor for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and HCV infection has not been studied effectively, particularly among different ethnic/racial groups in the US. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2014). Unadjusted and adjusted associations were summarized using the prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) after exploring possible interactions. RESULTS: In the overall population, MetS was significantly associated with HCV infection with an interaction of age. After adjusting for all potential confounders, MetS was found to be significantly associated with HCV among non-obese and younger adults of age less than 60 years (PR 1.67, 95% CI 1.21-2.30, p = 0.002). MetS was also associated with an increased prevalence of HCV in each racial/ethnic group, while the association was strongly modified by age and obesity status of the subjects in different ethnic/racial groups. CONCLUSIONS: MetS or its components are associated with an increased prevalence of HCV in some sub-populations of all ethnic/racial groups in the US. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of MetS associated with HCV is important as MetS may have a role in HCV infection treatment outcomes.

HPV Vaccine Beliefs and Correlates of Uptake Among Hispanic Women and Their Children on the US-Mexico Border.

INTRODUCTION: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection nationally. Although preventable, uptake of the HPV vaccine is low. The purpose of this study was to describe HPV vaccine knowledge and beliefs and psychosocial correlates of vaccine uptake among adult females and their children in a US-Mexico border community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of uninsured women aged 21-65 years living in Texas who were due for cervical cancer screening. We utilized descriptive statistics to report demographic and psychosocial variables. We used logistic regression analysis to identify correlates of prior vaccine uptake. RESULTS: 599 women completed surveys: mean age was 44.69 years, 97.8%, were Hispanic and 86% were Spanish speaking; 5% had been vaccinated. Awareness of HPV infection & HPV vaccine was 81.6% & 68.6% respectively. Scores for mean perceived susceptibility was low and mean perceived benefits was high; the mean score for knowledge was 3.69 out of 6. Common parental barriers to child vaccination were cost, lack of accessibility and lack of information. Correlates of past HPV vaccine uptake among adult women were younger age, monthly income of $2,500-$5,000, full-time employment, US birth, and higher perceived severity of HPV. Older age was a correlate of vaccine uptake for daughters. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings revealed low HPV vaccine uptake among adult Hispanic women, but high vaccine acceptability for their sons and daughters. Culturally tailored educational interventions are needed to improve HPV knowledge and HPV vaccine uptake among adults and their children.

The Prevalence of Genital Human Papillomavirus Subtypes in a Cohort of Hispanic Women Presenting for Cervical Cancer Screening Along the US-Mexico Border.

Introduction : Hispanic women residing along the US-Mexico border have the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the US. Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major causative agent, but more information is needed about the prevalence and distribution of genital HPV subtypes in this high-risk population. Methods : A population-based cross-sectional study of uninsured Hispanic women along the US-Mexico border was conducted and participants had their cervical specimens undergo DNA extraction followed by HPV genotype testing using the Linear Assay from Roche® Diagnostics, to identify 37 genital HPV subtypes. Results : Among the 585 women aged 21-65 years, 584 self-identfied as Hispanic. Any HPV subtype prevalence was 53.2% (95% CI: 49.0%-57.3%) and of these 52% (i.e. 27.5% of the total) had single infections and 48% (i.e. 25.6% of the total) had multiple infections. High-risk HPV prevalence was 15.6% (95% CI: 24-31.3%). The mean number of subtypes among those testing positive was 2.1 (SD 1.6). The prevalence of any HPV and high-risk HPV showed a U shaped pattern with age; and prevalence of 16/18 and non-16/18 high-risk subtypes (e.g. 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58); also varied with age. Forty-one percent of high-risk HPV occurrences were of a subtype not covered by the current nonavalent HPV vaccine. Discussion : Our findings suggest a different high-risk HPV subtype pattern and age distribution among Hispanic women in the USA, which could have implications for future cervical cancer prevention strategies.

The Association of Background Parenchymal Enhancement at Breast MRI with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundThe higher level of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) at breast MRI has the potential for early detection and prediction of the risk of breast cancer. However, conflicting findings have been reported about the association between the level of BPE at breast MRI and the presence of breast cancer.PurposeTo evaluate the association between qualitative and quantitative BPE at dynamic contrast material-enhanced MRI and breast cancer among populations with average risk and high risk separately.Materials and MethodsA retrospective meta-analysis of observational studies comparing either qualitative or quantitative assessments of BPE in women with and women without breast cancer was performed for studies published through July 2018. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) or standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models. The heterogeneity across the studies was measured by using the statistic I 2. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test this association according to different study characteristics. P values less than or equal to 5% were considered to indicate statistically significant results.ResultsEighteen studies comprising 1910 women with breast cancer and 2541 control participants were included in the analysis. Among women with high risk, at least moderate BPE (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.6; P = .04) or at least mild BPE (OR, 2.1; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0; P < .001) was associated with higher odds of breast cancer. Furthermore, women with breast cancer showed a higher average BPE percentage compared with control participants with high risk (standardized mean difference, 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.9; P = .001). No association was observed between at least mild BPE level (P = .15) or at least moderate BPE level (P = .38) and the presence of breast cancer among the population with average risk.ConclusionA higher level of background parenchymal enhancement measured at breast MRI is associated with the presence of breast cancer in women with high risk, but not in women with average risk.© RSNA, 2019Online supplemental material is available for this article.See also the editorial by Mann and Pinker in this issue.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome on the US Mexico Border: A Survey in an Indigent Population Using Rome III Criteria.

GOALS: To investigate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and its association with health perception and health care-seeking behavior in this Mexican American population. BACKGROUND: The prevalence of IBS ranges from 3% to 20.4% in the United States and 4.4% to 16% in Mexico, based on Rome III and II criteria. However, its epidemiological profile in the US Mexico border is unknown. STUDY: We conducted a survey in a randomly selected indigent population (N=521) recruited into a colon cancer screening program (ACCION). The prevalence of IBS was estimated and a multivariable logistic regression was carried out to determine the associated risk factors. Results are summarized using odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 464 (89%) completed the survey (mean age, 56.7 y; female, 74.8%). Country of birth was Mexico in 90.5% and the United States in 8.2% and acculturation was more Spanish (94.8%) than English (5.2%). Overall, 5.6% (95% CI, 3.7-8.1) fulfilled criteria for IBS with a predominance among women (6.9%) versus men (1.7%) (P=0.03). On the basis of multivariable analysis, lower number of bowel movements/week (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-1.00), having a primary care physician: 4.09 (1.51-11.12), using herbal treatments: 2.76 (1.08-7.06) and a previous IBS diagnosis: 23.11 (3.44-155.45), were significantly associated with the presence of IBS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IBS on the US Mexico border is comparable with data obtained from studies in both countries. Consulting a primary care physician as an associated factor may reveal the high rate of health-care seeking in IBS patients, while herbal treatments may reflect a cultural influence.

Effect of Educational Intervention on Self-Sampling Acceptability and Follow-Up Paps in Border Dwelling Hispanic Females.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to evaluate the effect of a community outreach worker (promotora)-led high-intensity educational intervention compared with control without promotora-led intervention on cervical cancer screening preference (Pap smear vs self-sampling) and to determine the effect of this preference on subsequent screening completion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial compared the effect of educational intervention on women's preferences for self-sampling for human papillomavirus. Inclusion criteria were women aged 30 to 65 years and no cervical cancer screening in 3 years or more. Community-based study with intervention group receiving culturally tailored education by promotora vs control group who received written education pamphlet. We evaluated participants' test preference, knowledge, and Pap completion at 12-months postintervention. RESULTS: Two hundred one predominantly Hispanic women were randomly assigned to high-intensity (n = 100) education vs low-intensity education (n = 101). The mean age was 46.4 years (SD = 8.2 years). There was no difference in test preference between high- and low-intensity groups (49% vs 41%, both tests equally; 28.6% vs 35.1%, self-sampling; and 22% vs 23%, Pap, p = .536). High-intensity intervention resulted in a significantly higher self-sampling acceptability score (25.02 vs 24.06, p = .039).Testing preference did not significantly affect Pap completion (Pap vs self-sampling vs unsure/both equally, 60.0% vs 43.6% vs 48.9%, p = 0.24). Human papillomavirus knowledge was found to be significantly associated with completion of Pap at 12 months. Human papillomavirus-positive result on self-sampling trended toward increased likelihood of screening completion (16.3% vs 7.8%, p = .058). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high level of acceptability of self-sampling regardless of intensity of education in a largely Hispanic female population living on the US-Mexico border and a trend toward increased Pap smear follow-up in participants who tested positive.

Patterns and Correlates of Internet Use, Cell Phone Use, and Attitudes Toward Patient Portals Among a Predominantly Mexican-American Clinic Population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe access and health-related use of the Internet and cell phones, and attitudes toward patient portals among a predominantly Hispanic patient population residing along the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: A bilingual cross-sectional survey was conducted in two clinics to describe use and attitudes toward use of Web 2.0 technology for health-related activities. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with past Web 2.0 use and willingness to use these technologies in the future. RESULTS: Two hundred and one participants were recruited (response rate: 53.3%). Respondents had an average age of 61.5 years, were predominantly female (63.2%), Hispanic (71.6%), of low income (93.0% <$25,000), and low educational attainment (49.8%