Open AccessRacial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Endocrine Therapy Adherence in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Author(s) -
Megan C. Roberts,
Stephanie B. Wheeler,
Katherine E. ReederHayes
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2014.302490
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , ethnic group , psycinfo , medicine , breast cancer , psychological intervention , gerontology , demography , medline , health equity , family medicine , cancer , environmental health , public health , population , psychiatry , pathology , sociology , anthropology , political science , law
We examined the current literature to understand factors that influence endocrine therapy (ET) adherence among racial/ethnic and socioeconomic subpopulations of breast cancer patients. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO databases for studies from January 1, 1978, to June 20, 2014, and January 1, 1991, to June 20, 2014, respectively, and hand-searched articles from relevant literature reviews. We abstracted and synthesized results within a social ecological framework. Fourteen articles met all inclusion criteria. The majority of included articles reported significant underuse of ET among minority and low-income women. Modifiable intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community-level factors are associated with ET use, and these factors vary across subgroups. Both race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status are associated with ET use in most settings. Variation in factors associated with ET use across subgroups indicates the need for more nuanced research and targeted interventions among breast cancer patients.