Using Protection Motivation Theory to Predict Intentions for Breast Cancer Risk Management: Intervention Mechanisms from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of a web-based, Protection Motivation Theory (PMT)–informed breast cancer education and decision support tool on intentions for risk-reducing medication and breast MRI among high-risk women. Women with ≥ 1.67% 5-year breast cancer risk (N = 995) were randomized to (1) control or (2) the PMT-informed intervention. Six weeks post-intervention, 924 (93% retention) self-reported PMT constructs and behavioral intentions. Bootstrapped mediations evaluated the direct effect of the intervention on behavioral intentions and the mediating role of PMT constructs. There was no direct intervention effect on intentions for risk-reducing medication or MRI (p’s ≥ 0.12). There were significant indirect effects on risk-reducing medication intentions via perceived risk, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, and on MRI intentions via perceived risk and response efficacy (p’s ≤ 0.04). The PMT-informed intervention effected behavioral intentions via perceived breast cancer risk, self-efficacy, and response efficacy. Future research should extend these findings from intentions to behavior. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03029286 (date of registration: January 24, 2017).

Investigating the Effect of Tailored Educational Program Based on Protection Motivation Theory on Mammography Adherence in Iranian Women

“…Conley and colleagues' study aimed to predict the intention to undergo MRI in women who have a normal mammogram but are at high risk of contracting the disease. Their results showed that the educational program designed based on the PMT can improve perceived risk, and self-efficacy and efficiency can influence the response in women but had no effect on their behavior, so the researchers suggested further research to promote behavioral intention (34). The results of Moodi and colleagues' study with the aim to determine the distribution of stages of change in connection with mammography on 384 women over 40 years old in Isfahan indicated that 36.2% and 21.1% of women are in prethinking and thinking stages, respectively.…”

Application of Protection Motivation Theory to Predict the Intention of Food Safety Behavior Among Food Handlers in the Culinary Area of Bantul Beach Tourism, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

“…Previous researchers have proven that the PMT construct is very reliable in predicting intentions and behavior. Conley stated that perceived vulnerability, self-efficacy and response efficacy affect intentions for risk-reducing medication and breast MRI in women aged 40-69 in Washington [8]. Other research in China conducted concluded that response efficacy were positively related to COVID-19 vaccination intention [9].…”