THE USE OF MAMMOGRAPHY VANS BY LOW-INCOME WOMEN - THE ACCURACY OF SELF-REPORTS

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-reports of mammography use by low-income women. Mammography van records were used to verify self-reports of mammography use in the past year by women aged 50 through 75 years who had visited five community health centers (n = 237). Van records verified mammography use for 99% of these women (82% within the previous year and 98% within the past 2 years). Forty percent of those with van records who reported both the month and year of the mammogram were accurate. Inaccurately reported dates were more frequently after (74%) rather than before (26%) the actual date. These findings indicate that self-reports of mammography use by low-income women are generally reliable.