A theory-based approach to understanding follow-up of abnormal Pap tests.

Full Abstract

We applied a general theoretical framework to understand intentions to attend recommended follow-up for abnormal Pap results. Participants were 338 women attending university-affiliated clinics. Intention was associated with favorable attitudes toward follow-up (OR = 5.3); perceiving attending follow-up as consistent with one's self-concept (OR = 3.0); self-efficacy (OR = 1.8); and believing one would be told exactly what is wrong (OR = 1.3). Intention was negatively associated with believing the problem could be avoided by not returning for follow-up (OR = 0.75). Beliefs, affect and attitudes differed by race and ethnicity (all p < .05). Attendance at follow-up was related to attitude and self-concept (both p < .05). Results have implications for theory development and patient education.

Author information

Author/s: Radecki Breitkopf, Carmen (C); Pearson, Heidi C (HC);

Affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. cmradeck(-atsign-)utmb.edu

Grants: R03 CA91686-01 (Agency:NCI NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Journal of health psychology (J Health Psychol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Apr; vol 14 (issue 3) : pp 361-71

Dates: Created 2009/03/18; Completed 2009/06/30;

PMID: 19293297, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/30/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.

See a large map of 100+ related articles.