Background: To describe the relationship of psychological variables (affect, attitudes, and habits) on breast cancer screening (BCS) participation among a group of Arab immigrants.

 Discussion: Studies identified that Arabs have different cultural practices that affect their behaviors toward health actions. In the US, although Arabs are considered Whites, Arabs in general constitute a very small fraction about 0.42% of the total US population (2000 census). Multiple authors indicate that use of BCS among groups other than main minority groups is understudied. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 130 Arab immigrant women living in the Washington, DC area between September 2001 and January 2002. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. A culturally sensitive model (The Model of Participation) was used to conduct this study. Data offered support to the importance of cultural factors.

 Conclusion: Despite this study’s limitations, this study provides description of knowledge, feelings, attitudes, habits, and enabling factors toward participation to BCS among Arab immigrants. Findings confirm the need for culturally sensitive studies to understand diverse populations and develop programs of intervention specific to their situation. Data suggest the basis for future intervention research on BCS with unstudied group of immigrant Arab women. Findings provide valuable information to clinicians, educators, and researchers.