Predictors of Intention to Use At-Home HPV Testing: Health Belief Factors and Potential Moderation by Decision-Making...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Behavior
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Cervical cancer screening rates in the U.S. are below Healthy People 2030 targets.
• Alternative screening methods, such as at-home human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, require investigation.
• Understanding factors influencing the adoption of new screening methods is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of Health Belief Model constructs on the intention to use at-home HPV testing.
• To explore whether decision-making style moderates the relationship between health beliefs and intention to use at-home HPV tests.

Main Methods:

• A survey of 300 women aged 30-65 in the U.S. was conducted online.
• Participants reported on their decision-making styles (analytic/intuitive) and health beliefs.
• Regression models examined the predictors of intention to use at-home HPV testing, with decision-making style as a moderator.

Main Results:

• Intention to use at-home HPV testing was generally positive (mean score = 3.9/5).
• Perceived benefits, social cues, and self-efficacy were positively associated with intention.
• Misunderstanding of HPV testing need was negatively associated with intention; self-efficacy was the strongest predictor (β = .69, p < .001).
• Decision-making style did not significantly predict intention or moderate relationships.

Conclusions:

• Self-efficacy is the most significant predictor of intention to use at-home HPV testing.
• Messaging should focus on building user confidence and self-efficacy for successful test completion.
• Future interventions should prioritize enhancing self-efficacy to promote uptake of at-home HPV testing.