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Learning Objective #1: Describe the process of tool development employed by the researchers utilizing qualitative data collected from Latina immigrants.

Learning Objective #2: Identify the salient attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control toward breast cancer screening of a group of rural Latina immigrants.

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Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among Latinas; yet screening rates for Latinas are among the lowest for ethnic groups. Research reveals that Latinas hold strong cultural beliefs predisposing them to avoid breast screening. The project is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a robust model that has been successfully applied with a wide range of health behaviors and cultural groups. Planned behavior is based on the intention to perform a specific behavior, which in turn is based on the variables of behavioral belief, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The TPB model employs a qualitative phase to determine the culturally specific aspects of these components, and then develops an instrument oriented specifically to the group. This instrument is used to examine a change in the intention before and after the intervention. This presentation will address the first research question: What are the attitudes, subjective norms, behavioral and normative beliefs, and behavioral intentions of Latinas regarding breast screening prior to participation in a family intervention? Forty-eight Latinas and five Latinos in rural Texas were interviewed individually and in groups regarding their attitudes and beliefs about breast cancer and breast cancer screening. Data revealed that the attitudes and beliefs of Latinas toward breast cancer and breast cancer screening were influenced by their perception of their roles and responsibilities within the family, by their fears, and by what they believed their husband’s responses would to their screening behavior. The 49 item instrument that was developed was pilot tested on a sample of the target population. The intervention is based on the notion that improved education of, and communication between partners may enhance the Latino’s cultural inclination to protect his partner’s health. The project is funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.