Physician and Family Recommendations to Obtain a Mammogram and Mammography Intentions: The Moderating Effects of Perceived Seriousness and Risk of Breast Cancer

Yamile Molina, Beti Thompso

Abstract

A growing body of literature has demonstrated psychosocial factors enable mammography intentions and usage among Latinas. Although these factors (e.g., family recommendations, breast cancer perceptions) likely influence one another, little research has examined interactive effects. The current study assessed the moderating effect of perceived breast cancer seriousness and risk on associations between recommendations to obtain mammography and mammography intentions. This sample included 97 Latinas in rural Eastern Washington State. After adjusting for age, two significant interactions emerged: perceived seriousness x physician recommendation and perceived risk x family recommendation. This exploratory study provides important directions for future communication research and planning to improve screening disparities.