An analysis of health behavior theories applied to breast-screening behavior for relevance with American Indian women.

This article reviews studies of the efficacy of breast-screening interventions and their related theories that have had a positive effect in influencing women to use mammography and assesses the potential of various behavioral models for use with American Indian women. The study involved a search of literature in nursing and other health fields. Both community and practice-based interventions have incorporated elements of various theoretical models.

Talking circles: Northern Plains tribes American Indian women's views of cancer as a health issue.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to understand the cultural meanings of cancer among American Indian women from Northern Plains tribes living in western South Dakota and their experiential view of breast and cervical cancer screening.

Design And Sample: Using an exploratory design, a purposive sample of 28 women, 35-75 years of age, were recruited into three Talking Circles.

Measurement: Talking Circle and focus group methodology, combined with Affonso's Focus Groups Analytic Schema, were used to generate contextual data sets including thematic findings.