What predicts a Cypriot woman's decision to obtain or not obtain a screening mammogram? Implications for the promotion of screening mammography in Cyprus.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is an important public health issue in Cyprus. The purpose of the study was to assess: (a) the differences in motivational beliefs between women who decided to obtain a mammogram and women who did not; and (b) which beliefs predict the decision to get a mammogram.


METHODS
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews from 293 women (mean age = 52) at the outpatient clinics of the General Hospital of Nicosia. Variables of interests include demographics, other preventive behaviours, and cognitions. T-tests for independent samples and multiple logistic regression were the primary analytic techniques.


RESULTS
One hundred and eight women decided to obtain their first mammogram within the next 6 months. Deciders were more motivated to obtain a mammogram than non-deciders. Significant statistical differences were found regarding women's attitude, perceived social pressure, perceived control over environmental factors, and self-efficacy towards obtaining a mammogram. The self-efficacy beliefs as well as the physician recommendation were the most predictive factors in the decision to obtain a mammogram.


CONCLUSIONS
In the planning of successful educational campaigns promoting breast cancer screening in Cyprus, practitioners could focus on the following: (a) enhancing self-efficacy, (b) promoting a clinical environment conducive to mammography screening, and (c) encouraging physician recommendation.
Tolma
Eleni L
EL
Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA. eleni-tolma@ouhsc.edu
Reininger
Belinda M
BM
Ureda
John
J
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003535:Cyprus / Q000453:epidemiology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000523:psychology*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D020377:Self Efficacy