Date of Graduation

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Industrial Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Zhang, Shengfan

Committee Member/Reader

Bennett-Milburn, Ashlea

Abstract

The goal of this research is to examine factors associated with nonadherence behavior toward mammography screening among U.S. women. The 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data was used for this study, allowing the model to represent a robust sample. A logistic regression model was developed to gain an understanding of influencing factors, including demographic, health-related and behavioral characteristics. Further analysis with logistic regression models stratified by age were conducted to control for the effect of age. The results show that demographic and health related information such as income, number of children, and BMI category can help intervention programs recognize women who are less likely to adhere to mammography screening guidelines. Behavioral factors are the strongest predictor for screening behaviors. It is crucial for women to have a personal physician or health professional that they can routinely see every year. Tracking frequency of doctor visits and routine medical procedures can give great insight into mammography nonadherence, which could ultimately help reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S.

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