Predictors of perceived susceptibility of breast cancer and changes over time: a mixed modeling approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine predictors of perceived susceptibility to breast cancer and assess differences across three dependent measures.


METHODS
Annual surveys were completed by US women veterans (N = 3,758) participating in a repeat mammography intervention trial. Multivariable non-linear mixed model analyses examined individual- and group-level changes in perceived susceptibility to breast cancer.


METHODS
Three single-item measures of perceived susceptibility to breast cancer (percent risk, ordinal risk, and comparative risk likelihood). Predictors included demographic, health status, health behavior, affect, knowledge, and subjective norm variables.


RESULTS
Breast symptoms and greater cancer worry increased perceived susceptibility for all three measures. Other predictors varied by dependent measure. Random change, indicating individual variability, was observed for percent risk only.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite small model effect sizes, breast symptoms and cancer worry were consistent predictors and may be good targets for messages designed to influence women's perceived susceptibility to breast cancer. Researchers may benefit from using measures of perceived susceptibility with larger response scales, but additional measurement research is needed. Combining indicators of perceived susceptibility may be undesirable when different predictors are associated with different measures.
McQueen
Amy
A
Center for Health Promotion & Prevention Research, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston 77030, USA. Amy.McQueen@uth.tmc.edu
Swank
Paul R
PR
Bastian
Lori A
LA
Vernon
Sally W
SW
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States