Cognitive and affective correlates of decisional balance regarding screening mammography in older women

Psychol Health Med. 2012;17(2):164-75. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2011.596550. Epub 2011 Jul 25.

Abstract

Participation in screening mammography remains suboptimal. This research aimed to improve understanding of ways to facilitate screening mammography attendance. One hundred and forty-two women from Gold Coast, Australia, aged 50-75, participated in the study. Social cognitive variables were assessed as potential predictors of mammography attendance. Most participants (79%) were maintaining regular screening mammography. Greater knowledge of breast cancer was the strongest predictor of decisional balance in favor of attending screening. Women who had relapsed from screening had significantly lower breast cancer worry than those contemplating attending for the first time. The results were consistent with previous research and point to factors screening services could consider to increase uptake.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Australia
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology
  • Decision Making*
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Mammography / psychology*
  • Mammography / statistics & numerical data
  • Mass Screening / psychology*
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires