The primary purpose of this study was to identify the motivational cognitive factors associated with the initial breast cancer screening in Cyprus. The study took place at the outpatient clinics of the General Hospital of Nicosia in Cyprus during the fall of 1999. Two hundred ninety three women asymptomatic of breast cancer and with no previous mammographic experience participated in the study. This research examined motivation through its cognitive perspective. The theory primarily used for the development of the instrument was the Theory of Planned Behavior. Specifically, the cognitive variables investigated were attitude, subjective norms, perceived control and self-efficacy. The data analysis used descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (ANOVA, t-tests and Pearson Correlation Coefficient) and multivariate analysis, primarily through the use of General Lineal Modeling. The results showed that intention was strongly related to behavior. In addition, all four cognitive variables contributed significantly to the explanation of the behavior (explained variance: 33.4%) with self-efficacy contributing the most, followed by the subjective norms. Moreover, self-efficacy enhanced the predictability of the model after controlling for all the other variables in the model. The findings of the study, despite its limitations, suggest that educational interventions promoting breast cancer screening in Cyprus could target the enhancement of motivation through various ways, such as: the strengthening of positive attitudes towards mammography, the elicitation of social support by significant others including the physician, and the provision of a facilitating environment for breast cancer screening. More importantly, emphasis should be given to the enhancement of self-efficacy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participants will be able to: a. define what "cognitive motivation" means. b. list and desrcibe the five components of the Theory of Planned Behavior. c. evaluate the role of self-efficacy in the enhancement of predictability of breast cancer screening behavior. d. assess the role of self-efficacy, attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control in the predictability of breast cancer screening behavior. e. discuss how the enhancement of self-efficacy,perceived behavioral control and social support among women eligible for breast cancer screening can be used in the prevention of breast cancer. f. assess the challenges of the application of the Thoery of Planned Behavior in the measurement of motivation among a non-american population.
Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Theory
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.