PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Al-Wassia, Rolina K.
AU  - Farsi, Nada J.
AU  - Merdad, Leena A.
AU  - Hagi, Sara K.
TI  - Patterns, knowledge, and barriers of mammography use among women in Saudi Arabia
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2017.9.20842
DP  - 2017 Aug 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 913--921
VI  - 38
IP  - 9
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/38/9/913.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/38/9/913.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2017 Aug 01; 38
AB  - Objectives: To assess mammography utilization and knowledge, and to determine barriers associated with mammography utilization among Saudi women.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 5 main geographic regions of Saudi Arabia from February 2015 to May 2015. The sample comprised women aged ≥40 years. Associations between socio-demographic factors and mammography use were tested using chi-square test. Predictors of mammography use were assessed by logistic regression.Results: A total of 3,245 women were surveyed, with 40% reporting ever having a mammogram. As indicated by the univariable analyses, older age (≥60 years), being single or divorced, having <2 children, not completing high school, and having a family history (hx) of breast cancer were significantly associated with never having a mammogram. Participants of older age (odds ratio [OR] 51-60 versus 41-50 = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.7 and OR >60 versus 41-50 = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8), and divorced (OR divorced versus married = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8] were less likely to have had a mammogram, while participants with no family hx of breast cancer (OR no family hx versus family hx = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3-1.8)were more likely to have had a mammogram.Conclusion: Mammography utilization and knowledge are low in Saudi Arabia. Increasing the awareness of breast cancer screening through educational programs could help women overcome existing barriers and misconceptions.