Examining social capital and its relation to breast and cervical cancer screening among underserved latinas in the U.S.

Many Latinos in the U.S. experience structural barriers to health care. Social capital and its implications for health and access to health care among this group are not well understood by researchers. This study examined associations between social capital and breast and cervical cancer screening adherence among a sample of 394 predominately Puerto Rican and Dominican women. Data were collected at baseline from Latinas attending screening education programs in Buffalo, New York and New York City in 2011-2012. Social capital was higher among Latinas who were older, better educated, insured, and spoke English. In multivariable logistic regression, a one unit increase in social capital index score was associated with greater adherence to Pap test (OR = 1.61), clinical breast exam (OR = 1.47) and mammography screening (OR = 1.50). Social capital should be further explored as a strategy to facilitate breast and cervical cancer screening among underserved Latinas.