Barriers to Screening: The Theory of Reasoned Action Applied to Mammography Use in a Military Beneficiary Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mammography practices of women eligible for military health care are not known. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to a stratified sample of 500 military beneficiary women. The hypothesis was that this group would not differ from the general population in regular mammography use (31%) and that the theory of reasoned action (TRA) is significantly associated with intent to obtain a mammogram. RESULTS: Only 12.8% of these women had regular mammography according to current recommendations. High participation is associated with breast cancer risk factors, income, education, perceived risk of breast cancer, and a doctor's recommendation. The expanded model of the TRA regression is significantly associated with intent. CONCLUSIONS: Regular use of mammography among military beneficiaries is lower than rates in the non-military population. Providers need to stress regular use and address scheduling problems and patient beliefs about mammography. The TRA is a useful model for screening behavior.