An online study combining the constructs from the theory of planned behaviour and protection motivation theory in predicting intention to test for chlamydia in two testing contexts

Abstract

This is the accepted version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. rachael.powell@manchester.ac.uk). Permanent repository link AcknowledgementsWe are grateful to our Google account manager Ram Vadlamani for his support in developing the keywords for the Google AdWords campaign. RP was funded by an RCUK Academic ResearchFellowship at Aston University. AbstractChlamydia is a common sexually-transmitted infection that has potentially serious consequences unless detected and treated early. The health service in the UK offers clinic-based testing for chlamydia but uptake is low. Identifying the predictors of testing behaviours may inform interventions to increase uptake. Self-tests for chlamydia may facilitate testing and treatment in people who avoid clinic-based testing. Self-testing and being tested by a health care professional (HCP) involve two contrasting contexts that may influence testing behaviour. However, little is known about how predictors of behaviour differ as a function of context. In this study, theoretical models of behaviour were used to assess factors that may predict intention to test in two different contexts: self-testing and being tested by a HCP. Individuals searching for, or reading about chlamydia testing online were recruited using Google Adwords. Participants completed an online questionnaire that addressed previous testing behaviour and measured constructs of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Protection Motivation Theory, which propose a total of eight possible predictors of intention. The questionnaire was completed by 310 participants. Sufficient data for multiple regression were provided by 102 and 118 respondents for self-testing and testing by a HCP respectively. Intention to self-test was predicted by vulnerability and self-efficacy, with a trend-level effect for response efficacy. Intention to be tested by a HCP was predicted by vulnerability, attitude and subjective norm. Thus, intentions to carry out two testing behaviours with very similar goals can have different predictors depending on test context. We conclude that interventions to increase self-testing should be based on evidence specifically related to test context.

An instrument based on protection motivation theory to predict Chinese adolescents’ intention to engage in protective behaviors against schistosomiasis

“…As for smoking behavior, a series of studies revealed that perceived rewards of smoking, especially intrinsic rewards, were consistently positively related to smoking intentions and behavior, and self-efficacy to avoid smoking was negatively related to smoking [ 25 , 26 , 29 – 31 ]. Recently, Protection motivation was successfully applied for the prediction of preventing a group of infectious and chronic non-communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS [ 32 , 33 ], Chlamydia [ 34 ], Respiratory Infectious Disease [ 35 ], Coronary Artery Disease [ 36 ], Cervical Pap Test Practice [ 37 , 38 ] and other cancer prevention behaivors [ 39 – 43 ]. What’s more, tropical infectious diseases such as malaria, PMT has also been proved to be a powerful tool in analyzing malaria preventive behaviors [ 44 ].…”

Contact investigations for antibiotic-resistant bacteria: a mixed-methods study of patients’ comprehension of and compliance with self-sampling requests post-discharge

“…Also, confidence in performing the required behavior (i.e., self-efficacy) and the belief that this behavior will be effective in reducing or eliminating a health threat (i.e., response efficacy) enhance the intention to perform protective behaviors. Components of this theory (vulnerability, self-efficacy, and response efficacy) were found to be predictors of protective behaviors, including (self-)testing, for other infectious diseases, such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and COVID-19 [ 23 , 24 ]. With regard to requesting discharged contact patients to participate in contact investigations for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, this theory highlights the importance of sending out carefully composed self-sampling request letters.…”

Perceptions of Self-Testing for Chlamydia: Understanding and Predicting Self-Test Use

“…A more constructive approach might be for future studies to use methodologies that allow greater concealment of identity to facilitate this recruitment. We have recently successfully used on-line advertising and on-line questionnaires to ask people about self-testing in a quantitative study [ 35 ]. It may be that online methods of both advertising studies and interviewing participants may make it easier for private people with stigmatized conditions to take part, with a higher degree of anonymity.…”