[Cognitive factors relating to mammographic breast cancer screening]

The purpose of this study was to identify cognitive factors relating to participation in mammographic breast cancer screening (MBCS).

A total of 2,345 women aged 40-69 years in two cities in A Prefecture were asked to participate in this self-administered questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The dependent variable was participation in MBCS and the independent variables were 5 cognitive factors based on the Protection Motivation Theory. The control variables were personal characteristics related to both participation in MBCS and cognitive factors.

A total of 788 questionnaires (33.6%) were returned by mail. Excluded from the analysis were incomplete questionnaires and responses from women who had received a diagnosis of breast cancer. The resultant total of 497 responses were analyzed. Some 218 women had participated regularly in MBCS over the past two years, while 279 were irregularly or never screened. The personal characteristics related to both participation in MBCS and cognitive factors were experience of non-MBCS, recommendation of health professionals, and close-relative participants. Analysis revealed that self-efficacy and response costs were significant factors influencing regular participation in MBCS, partially supporting the Protection Motivation Theory. The results suggest that recommendations of physicians and public health nurses, and experience of non-MBCS are effective in promoting participation in MBCS.

Self-efficacy and response costs were notable cognitive factors influencing participation in MBCS. The findings indicate importance for strong recommendations of physicians and public health nurses in increasing future participation in MBCS.