Women's use of mammographic screening: the role of information, cues, and reinforcement

Abstract

Questionnaires were distributed to 359 women who had mammograms during the previous six months. Data were obtained on: 1) demographic variables; 2) perception of risk and sources of knowledge about breast cancer and mammography; 3) cues or events which initiated action to obtain a mammogram; and 4) behaviors or events which may reinforce the use of the procedure. A major goal of the research was to obtain information on factors hypothesized to effect women's use of mammography for the detection of breast cancer. High education and income levels, characteristic of women using screening procedures, were found in this sample. Availability of information and a realistic perception of risk were not sufficient motivators to obtain a mammogram. The recommendation of a health professional was reported to be the single most important motivating factor by 71% of the sample. Following the procedure, relief of anxiety, and verbal reinforcement by health professionals, friends, or relatives were reported. These results suggest that the most important cue for many women to obtain a mammogram is recommendation of a health professional. The role of reinforcement in repeating the behavior requires further clarification.