#73 Self-defined ethnicity and womenʹs preventive health practices: Results from a population-based health survey

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine whether there was any association between ethnicity and compliance with current guidelines for various preventive health practices. METHODS: Data came from the 1996/97 Ontario Health Survey, a population-based health survey of community-dwelling residents of Ontario, Canada. Using a hierarchical algorithm based on survey questions dealing with country of birth, ancestral origins and race, respondents were assigned to one of five ethnic groupings. Multiple logistic regression was then used to examine differences in probability for women in the various ethnic groups to meet current guidelines for preventive practices, such as breast of cervical cancer screening and influenza immunization, while controlling for other factors such as age, education and immigrant status. RESULTS: There was evidence of an association between the probability of meeting current guidelines for preventive practices and ethnicity. Women of Asian origin were much less likely than women of other ethnic origin to meet guidelines for most of the preventive practices examined in this study. This finding remained unchanged, even after controlling for place of birth (e.g., Canada versus other). CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to identify barriers or disincentives to preventive practices among women of certain ethno-cultural groups. Possible areas of investigation include cultural mores and beliefs, choice of health-care provider, and differing perceptions of risk on the part of both health-care providers and women of different ethnic origins.