THE HEALTH BELIEF MODEL, STATE LOCUS-OF-CONTROL, AND STATE-ANXIETY AND PARTICIPATION IN SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER.
Contributors: Indiana University School of Nursing.
Published: 1986
Number of pages: 157
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.
Description: Based on the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model (HBM) with the addition of Rotter's locus of control, Spielberger's state-anxiety, and knowledge as a modifying factor, the purpose of the study was to examine the relationships among the selected variables and participation in a screening test for cervical cancer (Pap test). A convenience sample consisting of 92 women ranging in age from 35 to 60 was obtained.

The study design was correlational and retrospective with data collected by questionnaires. Champion's (1981) HBM scales, Nichols' (1983) Specific Expectancy scale, and Spielberger's (1983) State-Trait Inventory were adapted to measure perceptions about cervical cancer and the Pap test. Questions to measure knowledge were developed by the researcher.

Multicollinearity was demonstrated through significant relationships between the benefits scale and each of the other scales, barriers, state locus of control, state-anxiety, and knowledge. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variable, benefits, provided a multiple R of.21 and an explained variance of 5% which was significant at the.05 level of probability. None of the other independent variables served as predictors of the health-related behavior.

A major difference in this study was that the assistance of a health professional was required to achieve the behavior. Subjects may have felt less susceptible since the majority had obtained Pap tests within the last three years. Cervical cancer may have been perceived as less serious due to the availability of the Pap test for diagnosis and because a hysterectomy is not life-threatening.

Conclusions were that Champion's scales can be adapted to produce reliable measurement of the HBM variables in relation to other health-related behavior. The HBM did not provide a predictive model for the behavior, obtaining a Pap test. The addition of the modifying factor, knowledge, and the constructs, state locus of control and state-anxiety did not enhance the prediction of the behavior. Other variables which may interact with the variable, benefits, in explaining the behavior need to be identified through further research. Nurses can utilize the findings of this research in teaching clients about cervical cancer and the Pap test.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 48-08, Section: B, page: 2264.

Thesis (D.N.S.)--INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING, 1986.

School code: 0815.