Abstract
Previous research has shown that, although routine mammography screening can reduce mortality from breast cancer, the use
of annual mammography screening remains well under 65%. In an effort to determine the factors that are associated with women’s
mammography behaviors, this study used the health belief model and the common-sense model of self-regulation as the theoretical
frameworks to explore health beliefs, illness representations, and women’s mammography practice. Data were obtained from a
nationally representative sample of 408 Greek women, 40 years of age or older, with no personal history of cancer. Three dependent
variables were considered: recent mammography, repeat mammography, and no mammogram during lifetime. Predictors included socio-demographic
and medical variables, perceived benefits of mammography screening, perceived barriers to mammography screening, self-efficacy,
as well as illness perceptions. Multivariate analyzes indicated that never having had a mammogram was more likely for women
who perceived fewer benefits and more barriers to mammography screening, had more negative emotional representations of breast
cancer, and had no private health insurance coverage. Factors associated with recent mammography were younger age, a good
knowledge of the recommended mammography screening interval, a family history of breast cancer, and use of patient reminders
for next mammogram. Adequate knowledge about the recommended mammography screening interval and higher values for breast cancer
worry were associated with an increased number of repeat lifetime mammograms. Implications of the results and suggestions
for future research are outlined.
of annual mammography screening remains well under 65%. In an effort to determine the factors that are associated with women’s
mammography behaviors, this study used the health belief model and the common-sense model of self-regulation as the theoretical
frameworks to explore health beliefs, illness representations, and women’s mammography practice. Data were obtained from a
nationally representative sample of 408 Greek women, 40 years of age or older, with no personal history of cancer. Three dependent
variables were considered: recent mammography, repeat mammography, and no mammogram during lifetime. Predictors included socio-demographic
and medical variables, perceived benefits of mammography screening, perceived barriers to mammography screening, self-efficacy,
as well as illness perceptions. Multivariate analyzes indicated that never having had a mammogram was more likely for women
who perceived fewer benefits and more barriers to mammography screening, had more negative emotional representations of breast
cancer, and had no private health insurance coverage. Factors associated with recent mammography were younger age, a good
knowledge of the recommended mammography screening interval, a family history of breast cancer, and use of patient reminders
for next mammogram. Adequate knowledge about the recommended mammography screening interval and higher values for breast cancer
worry were associated with an increased number of repeat lifetime mammograms. Implications of the results and suggestions
for future research are outlined.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s10880-011-9272-1
- Authors
- Fotios Anagnostopoulos, Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, 136 Syngrou Avenue, 176 71 Athens, Greece
- Christine Dimitrakaki, Center for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Deborah Fitzsimmons, College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
- Gregory Potamianos, Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, 136 Syngrou Avenue, 176 71 Athens, Greece
- Dimitris Niakas, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Yannis Tountas, Center for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Journal Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
- Online ISSN 1573-3572
- Print ISSN 1068-9583