Effects of a Personalized Online Mammography Decision Aid on Accuracy of Risk Perceptions and Mammography Intentions

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Health Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This experiment tested the effects of multiple versions of a personalized online mammography DA—some enhanced with exemplars and tailored elements—on breast cancer risk perceptions and mammography intentions. 2,918 women ages 35-49 were stratified into two levels of breast cancer risk and randomly assigned to one of eight conditions. DAs resulted in more accurate risk perceptions. This effect was moderated by numeracy for low-risk women. Exemplars improved accuracy of risk perceptions for low-risk women. Tailoring did not improve risk accuracy. For moderate to high-risk women, one DA condition increased intentions to begin screening at 40, but all DA conditions increased intentions to begin mammography at age 50 for low-risk women. Exemplars and tailoring did not alter mammography intentions. This research could help women better understand their objective risk for breast cancer and make informed mammography decisions.

Authors

• Holli Hitt Seitz, U of Pennsylvania

• Laura A. Gibson, University of Pennsylvania

• Christine Skubisz, Emerson College

• Heather Forquer, U of Pennsylvania

• Susan L Mello, Northeastern U

• Marilyn Schapira, U of Pennsylvania

• Katrina Armstrong, Massachusetts General Hospital

• Joseph N. Cappella, U of Pennsylvania