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Original Articles

Taking Charge of Self: Breast Health Practices of Older Rural Women

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Pages 165-188 | Received 29 May 2001, Accepted 10 Sep 2001, Published online: 16 Oct 2008
 

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore breast health practices of older Vermont women residing in rural communities. Although the three components of breast health-mammography, clinical breast exam, and self-breast exam-are recommended for women 40 years and over, minimal research has empirically analyzed the breast health practices of healthy women to ascertain if, in fact, these procedures are followed, and if so, what the motivation is for doing so. Twelve women, 50–64 years, participated in face-to-face, audiotaped interviews. Data analysis, including line-by-line and constant comparative approaches, occurred concurrently with data collection. Taking Charge of Self, the generated theory, describes participants' engagement in a process of learning how to take charge of their lives. The analysis indicates that health care providers have a powerful role in the lives of women in this age group. With an increasing emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention, health care providers are positioned to cultivate and support women's development of the personal or internal motivation for health and well-being.

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