title: Evaluation of a "loss-framed" minimal intervention to increase mammography utilization among medically un- and under-insured women.
abstract: This study was conducted because mammography is under-utilized, even though it is the most effective early detection screening device for breast cancer. A loss-framed telephonic message based on prospect theory was evaluated for the effects on mammography utilization among medically un- and under-insured women living in demographically similar rural counties in Florida. The sample consisted mostly of White women (approximately 89%) 50-64 years old. Experimental group participants received the loss-framed message telephonically and those in the comparison group received the "usual telephone procedure." Logistic regression analyses revealed that women who received the loss-framed message were six times more likely to obtain a mammogram (OR = 6.6, P < 0.0001). The impact of the loss-framed message persisted even after adjustment for initial versus re-screen mammogram effects. This in-reach, loss-framed, minimal intervention seems to have viability and may serve as an alternative or adjunct program for encouraging women to receive mammograms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, 408 Sandels Building, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1493, USA. dabood@mailer.fsu.edu
authors.forename: Doris A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Abood
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Coster
authors.forename: Ann K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mullis
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Black
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000191:economics*; D003662:Decision Theory; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017057:Medically Uninsured; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population