title: A theory-based approach to understanding follow-up of abnormal Pap tests.
abstract: We applied a general theoretical framework to understand intentions to attend recommended follow-up for abnormal Pap results. Participants were 338 women attending university-affiliated clinics. Intention was associated with favorable attitudes toward follow-up (OR = 5.3); perceiving attending follow-up as consistent with one's self-concept (OR = 3.0); self-efficacy (OR = 1.8); and believing one would be told exactly what is wrong (OR = 1.3). Intention was negatively associated with believing the problem could be avoided by not returning for follow-up (OR = 0.75). Beliefs, affect and attitudes differed by race and ethnicity (all p < .05). Attendance at follow-up was related to attitude and self-concept (both p < .05). Results have implications for theory development and patient education.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0587, USA. cmradeck@utmb.edu
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Radecki Breitkopf
authors.forename: Heidi C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Pearson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D044469:Racial Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult