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Health Belief Model variables as predictors of screening mammography utilization
R B Hyman1, S Baker, R Ephraim
1Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461.
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Screening mammography use is low. This study found that white women, those perceiving fewer benefits and barriers, and those with a family history of breast cancer were less likely to comply with screening recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Behavior
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Screening mammography is effective but underutilized.
- The Health Belief Model (HBM) offers a framework for understanding patient attitudes.
- Validated measures and prospective studies on mammography compliance are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To psychometrically validate HBM variables for mammography screening.
- To prospectively study factors predicting mammography utilization.
- To identify barriers to screening mammography compliance.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of hospital employees referred for mammography.
- Utilized a validated Health Belief Model (HBM) measure.
- Collected data on perceived susceptibility, barriers, benefits, age, education, ethnicity, and family breast cancer history.
Main Results:
- White ethnicity, fewer perceived benefits, and fewer perceived barriers predicted noncompliance.
- A family history of breast cancer was also predictive of noncompliance.
- These factors highlight specific groups and attitudes impacting screening rates.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers should discuss both benefits and barriers of mammography with patients.
- Targeted interventions are needed for women with a family history of breast cancer.
- Addressing avoidant behaviors is crucial for increasing mammography utilization.