Do perceptions of vulnerability and worry mediate the effects of a smoking cessation intervention for women attending for a routine cervical smear test? An experimental study
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Sue Hall1, David P French, Theresa M Marteau
1Department of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King's College London, London, UK. sue.hall@kcl.ac.uk
Objective:
Numerous correlational studies have examined whether perceptions of vulnerability or worry are better predictors of health-related behavior. The aim of this experimental study was to explore some of the potential causal relationships involved: Are the effects of a brief smoking cessation intervention (for women attending for cervical smear tests) on intention to stop smoking mediated by perceived vulnerability or worry about cervical cancer?
Design:
A mediation analysis of an experimental study.
Main Outcome Measures:
Perceived vulnerability to and worry about cervical cancer, and intention to stop smoking in the next month.
Results:
Questionnaires were completed by 172 (71%) women at 2-week follow-up. Compared with women in the control group, those in the intervention group had higher perceptions of vulnerability, worry, and intention to stop smoking. Personal vulnerability (p < .01) and comparative vulnerability (p < .05) were significant mediators of the relationship between study group and intention to stop smoking. Worry about cervical cancer was not related to intention.
Conclusion:
Worry may be a less important construct in relation to disease prevention behaviors such as smoking cessation. More experimental studies comparing different behaviors are needed to determine the causal relationship between worry and outcomes.
