Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latinas.
To reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer among Latinas in the United States it is important to understand factors that predict screening behavior. The aim of this study was to test the utility of theory of planned behavior in predicting cervical cancer screening among a group of Latinas. A sample of Latinas (N = 614) completed a baseline survey about Pap test attitudes subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to be screened for cervical cancer. At 6 months postbaseline, cervical cancer screening behavior was assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theory. Model fit statistics indicated good model fit: χ(2)(48) = 54.32, p = .246; comparative fit index = .992; root mean square error of approximation = .015; weighted root mean square residual = .687. Subjective norms (p = .005) and perceived behavioral control (p < .0001) were positively associated with intention to be screened for cervical cancer, and the intention to be screened predicted actual cervical cancer screening (p < .0001). The proportion of variance (R2) in intention accounted for by the predictors was .276 and the R2 in cervical cancer screening accounted for was .130. This study provides support for the use of the theory of planned behavior in predicting cervical cancer screening among Latinas. This knowledge can be used to inform the development of a theory of planned behavior-based intervention to increase cervical cancer screening among Latinas and reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer in this group of women.
['Roncancio|Angelica M|AM|', 'Ward|Kristy K|KK|', 'Sanchez|Ingrid A|IA|', 'Cano|Miguel A|MA|', 'Byrd|Theresa L|TL|', 'Vernon|Sally W|SW|', 'Fernandez-Esquer|Maria Eugenia|ME|', 'Fernandez|Maria E|ME|']
D000328:Adult D001294:Attitude to Health D055088:Early Detection of Cancer D005260:Female D015438:Health Behavior D006630:Hispanic or Latino D006801:Humans D015994:Incidence D033182:Intention D008875:Middle Aged D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D011582:Psychological Theory D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
theory of planned behavior cervical cancer screening Latinas prevention women’s reproductive health