Objectives: This study explored views of Moroccan migrant women on barriers and facilitators to the organized breast cancer screening program in Brussels (Belgium), and the potential of targeted printed invitations to increase this population’s attendance to the program. Methods: We conducted one expert interview with the breast cancer screening program coordinator on current practices and challenges with regards to inviting Moroccan migrant women in Brussels for screening. Secondly, we held focus groups with Moroccan women aged 26–66. Sessions focused on perspectives on breast cancer screening and the existing generic program invitations. Directed content analysis of transcripts was based on the Health Belief Model. Alternative communication packages were developed based on barriers and suggestions from the focus groups. A second round of focus groups looked at the alternative communication packages and their potential to encourage Moroccan migrant women in Brussels to participate in the organized breast cancer screening program. Results: Alternative packages were appreciated by some, but a number of adjustments did not catch participants’ attention. Printed communication delivered by post does not appear to be the preferred means of communication to encourage breast cancer screening for Moroccan migrant women in Brussels, nor does it seem appropriate to address the barriers to screening found in this study. Conclusions: The benefit of targeted postal invitation packages for Moroccan migrant women in Brussels seems limited for a variety of reasons. For future research, a large-scale study analyzing the topic in a cross-cultural perspective is warranted.

Breast cancer screening and migrants: exploring targeted messages for Moroccan migrant women in Brussels

Grossi, Alessandra Agnese;
2017-01-01

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored views of Moroccan migrant women on barriers and facilitators to the organized breast cancer screening program in Brussels (Belgium), and the potential of targeted printed invitations to increase this population’s attendance to the program. Methods: We conducted one expert interview with the breast cancer screening program coordinator on current practices and challenges with regards to inviting Moroccan migrant women in Brussels for screening. Secondly, we held focus groups with Moroccan women aged 26–66. Sessions focused on perspectives on breast cancer screening and the existing generic program invitations. Directed content analysis of transcripts was based on the Health Belief Model. Alternative communication packages were developed based on barriers and suggestions from the focus groups. A second round of focus groups looked at the alternative communication packages and their potential to encourage Moroccan migrant women in Brussels to participate in the organized breast cancer screening program. Results: Alternative packages were appreciated by some, but a number of adjustments did not catch participants’ attention. Printed communication delivered by post does not appear to be the preferred means of communication to encourage breast cancer screening for Moroccan migrant women in Brussels, nor does it seem appropriate to address the barriers to screening found in this study. Conclusions: The benefit of targeted postal invitation packages for Moroccan migrant women in Brussels seems limited for a variety of reasons. For future research, a large-scale study analyzing the topic in a cross-cultural perspective is warranted.
2017
www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/13557858.asp
Breast cancer screening; content analysis; health behavior; health communication; minority health; qualitative research; Cultural Studies; Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous); Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Van Hemelrijck, Wanda Monika Johanna; Suggs, L Suzanne; Grossi, Alessandra Agnese; Schröder-Bäck, Peter; Czabanowska, Katarzyna
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2072931
 Attenzione

L'Ateneo sottopone a validazione solo i file PDF allegati

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 0
  • Scopus 3
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 3
social impact