ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Louisiana ranks 50th as the least healthy state in the United States. Although limited healthcare access may explain part of the health disparity related to mammography utilization, there is no research to elucidate mammography intention among rural Southeastern Louisiana women. OBJECTIVE: To test the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict mammography intention among rural women in Southeastern Louisiana. METHODS: A correlation study design with multiple regression and path analysis was used. The sample consisted of 302 women, between the ages of 40-74 who were without a prior history of breast cancer, able to read English, and able to respond to a written questionnaire. RESULTS: Path analysis confirmed the direct and indirect relationships of mammography intention (chi2 = 26.2, p > .10, Comparative Fit Index =.968). Regression analysis computed the model path coefficients ranging from beta .176 to .640. Overall, the Theory of Planned Behavior explained 24% of the variance. DISCUSSION: Perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of mammography intention. A woman's attitude towards mammography and referent motivation needs further explanation prior to the development of an intervention to increase mammography intention and use.
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Health Behavior , Mammography/psychology , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Louisiana , Middle Aged , Rural Population , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
TOPIC: Choosing to obtain a screening mammogram is often determined by a woman's perceived susceptibility. PURPOSE: To establish the importance of susceptibility to breast cancer in rural women in southeast Louisiana, using concept analysis as the hybrid model. SOURCES: Through this analysis, findings from the literature were compared to women's actual perceptions from the field. CONCLUSIONS: The author concludes that rural women in Louisiana do not view breast cancer as a potential harm, nor is there a belief that they have control over the decision to have a screening mammogram; therefore, rural women do not perceive themselves susceptible.
