Abstract
We report results of a longitudinal study to examine prospective predictors of interval mammography screening. Subjects were recruited through random-digit dialing, at which time baseline information was obtained. Two additional telephone interviews were conducted at 12 and 24 months post baseline. Of the 485 women who completed all three interviews, 35% had obtained interval screening during the 24-month follow-up period. Interval screening was defined as having at least one mammogram during months 1–12 and one during months 13–24 of the follow-up period. Additionally, 34% of the sample had only one screening mammogram during the 24-month follow-up period, and 31% had none. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that having had a recent screening mammogram was the strongest predictor of interval screening. Additional predictors tended to be access factors, such as income, health insurance, and concern regarding cost. Attitudinal or belief factors that have often been related to repeat screening in cross-sectional studies were not prospectively predictive of interval screening. Our findings suggest that motivating women to get an initial screening mammogram may be the most important strategy for promoting interval screening.
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