An Investigation of Factors Influencing Chinese Young Women’s Intention for Mammography Screening

Abstract

China has witnessed a dramatic increase in breast cancer incidence over the past few decades. Clear evidence has proven the effectiveness of mammography screening in reducing the number of breast cancer–related deaths. The study aims to extend the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with two additional components, personality traits and attention to media, to investigate the factors related to young Chinese women’s intention for mammography screening. A cross-sectional web survey was conducted among female students ( n = 1,002) in a large public university in southwest China. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that the three original TPB variables (attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control) have the strongest relationship with women’s intention to engage in mammography screening. Moreover, extraversion and attention to new media are positively associated with intention for mammography screening. The study contributes to existing health communication literature by showing how the original TPB model cooperated with psychological and communication factors that are related to women’s intention for mammography screening. The findings can be used to assist government and health professionals in developing a more effective strategies to promote mammography screening in the context of China.