RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN MAGAZINE COVERAGE OF MAMMOGRAPHY

Abstract

This study examined messages regarding mammography in mass circulation African- American and European-American women’s magazines. There were significant differences in the content of African-American and European-American magazines. African-American magazines had a higher grade level, more difficult readability, and more passive sentences. Further, the African-American magazines contained more references to religiosity, activity, positive and negative emotions, risk factors, and racial references than their European-American counterparts. It can be proposed that African- American women view mammography, and perhaps many other health issues, from a weltanschauung of deep emotions, strong religious beliefs, and an abiding faith in their special status in the world --- that their survival from cancer rests in God’s hands. These findings have important implications for communicating information regarding mammography to African-American women.