A Longitudinal Examination of Stages of Change Model Applied to Mammography Screening

Application of behavior change theories to ethnically diverse groups is limited. In a secondary analysis of intervention study data, we tested the validity of the transtheoretical model (TTM) of change among Chinese American immigrant women. Three hundred mammography non-adherent women were randomized to an intervention or control group. Compared with contemplators (60%), precontemplators reported higher perceived mammography barriers (p < .001) and lower breast cancer susceptibility (p < .01). Baseline contemplators were 1.5 times more likely to have a mammogram post intervention compared with precontemplators. Upward shift in stage of change was higher in the intervention than the control group at 3 months (odds ratio [OR] = 6.14), 6 months (OR = 4.82), and 12 months (OR = 2.85). Women with an upward shift at 3 months were more likely to complete mammography at 12 months (OR = 15.44). The results supported the TTM stages of change. Education targeted to Chinese women's stages of change has significant potential to decrease breast cancer screening disparities.