Gender Perceptions: Decision Making about Cancer Screening in Partnered Mexican Women
Breast cancer represents a major health problem for women. Even though Latinas have lower incidence rates, they do not obtain appropriate cancer screenings, which leaves them at risk for late detection (Hubbell, Chavez, Mishra, & Valdez, 1996). The current study assesses the cultural perception of Latinos towards cancer screenings. Two heterosexual couples of Mexican descent over the age of 30 and of low acculturation were interviewed with the main purpose of identifying how gender perspectives influence Latinas' screening behaviors and attitudes. Furthermore, this study examined the relation between acculturation levels and socioeconomic status and Latinas' screening attitudes and behaviors. Results indicate that the male partner exerts an influence that can be either positive or negative, according to how the male employs his machismo beliefs.
School:
University of Puerto Rico at Río Piedras
Department:
Psychology / Sociology
Research Advisor:
Dr. Lydia P. Buki
Department of Research Advisor:
Counseling Psychology
Year of Publication:
2004