Factors Influencing Compliance with Mammography Screening Recommendations in an Air Force Population

摘要

What is the rate of compliance with mammography screening recommendations in an Air Force population and what factors influence compliance according to the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) model. This descriptive study surveyed 74 Air Force female health care beneficiaries ages 50 to 82 years with a mean age of 64 years old. Data was analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 6.1. This study found that over 80% of respondents indicated their last mammogram was for routine screening purposes as opposed to diagnostic purposes. Most respondents (82%) had had a mammogram within the past year. Only one respondent reported never having had a mammogram. Sixty-one percent of respondents demonstrated high participation in mammography screening according to NCI guidelines. Almost 80% of respondents reported it is extremely likely they will obtain a mammogram in the next year. The most important TRA attitude variable associated with mammography screening was finding cancer the examining provider could not. The most important social norm variable was provider recommendation for mammography screening. In terms of facilitating conditions for mammography screening, 75% of respondents reported their mammograms were easy to schedule. Only 17 women reported barriers to screening, the most frequently reported barrier being appointment availability. Most women used Champus as their health coverage, and 60% of respondents stated they paid nothing out of pocket for their mammogram. Overall, this study showed that the sample population participated in mammography screening more regularly that past studies.