Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand Cervical Cancer Screening Among Latinas

Abstract

To reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer among Latinas in the United States it is important to understand factors that predict screening behavior. The aim of this study was to test the utility of theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting cervical cancer screening among a group of Latinas. A sample of Latinas (N= 614) completed a baseline survey about Pap test attitudes subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to be screened for cervical cancer. At six-months cervical cancer screening behavior was assessed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the theory. Model fit statistics indicated good model fit (χ2 (48) = 54.32, p-value = .246; CFI = .992; RMSEA = .015; WRMR =.687). Subjective norms (p = .005) and perceived behavioral control (p < .0001) were positively associated with intention to be screened for cervical cancer, and the intention to be screened predicted actual cervical cancer screening (p<.0001). The proportion of variance (R2) in intention accounted for by the predictors was .276 and the R2 in cervical cancer screening accounted for was .130. This study provides support for the use of the theory of planned behavior in predicting cervical cancer screening among Latinas. This knowledge can be used to inform the development of a TPB-based intervention to increase cervical cancer screening among Latinas and reduce the high incidence of cervical cancer in this group of women.

Effect of past behavioral experience on intention to use cervical cancer screening services among women in resources poor settings of Ethiopia: applicability of theory of planned behavior

“…In Ethiopia; the highest prediction was observed in a study done to predict the intended use of condom in a rural population [16]. To this end; despite it is consistent with finding from few previous studies [15,19,17]; the current study revealed considerably low prediction of behavioral intention with only 23.5% of the variance in intention. Debatably; the TPB has been criticized for its insufficiency to effectively predict intention or behavior as it doesn't take into account the influence of emotional dimension in individuals' decision making process.…”

“…Importantly; TPB has been found to be effective in predicting the intended cancer screening behaviors such screening for breast and colorectal cancers. More specifically; the theory has produced an effective prediction of cervical cancer screening (CCS) behavioral intention with variances ranging from 27.6%-51% in different previous studies [18,19].…”

What factors influence mothers’ behavior regarding control of their children’s sugary snack intake?: An application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

“…One of the most popular theories for predicting health behaviours is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The utility of the TPB has been supported in a wide range of behaviours, such as smoking habits, alcohol drinking and tobacco use, health screening, toothbrushing, flossing and dental check‐ups. According to Ajzen, the TPB presupposes that intention influences behaviour, which is affected by the attitude towards behaviour (AT), subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC).…”

Disclosure of maternal HIV infection to children among Chinese women with HIV: The application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the role of various norms

“…The TPB has been widely applied into a variety of health behaviours, such as condom use (Molla, Astrom, & Berhane, ), physical activity (Hagger et al, ; Hagger, Chatzisarantis, & Biddle, ), cervical cancer screening (Roncancio et al, ), adherence to medication treatment (Rich, Brandes, Mullan, & Hagger, ), smoking (Alanazi, Lee, Dos Santos, Job, & Bahjri, ), use of social networking websites (Pelling & White, ), intention to use HIV counselling and testing (Abamecha, Godesso, & Girma, ; Kakoko, Åstrøm, Lugoe, & Lie, ), adherence to HIV medication (Vissman et al, ), and help‐seeking behaviours for mental health problems (Mo & Mak, ). A meta‐analysis of the TPB (Armitage & Conner, ) further supported the effectiveness of the theory, which accounted for 39% and 27% of the variance in intention and behaviour, respectively.…”