Psychosocial Variables, Race, And Intention to Seek Care for Breast Cancer Symptoms

This study was designed to assess whether the influences of affect, utility, norm, and habit on intention to seek care promptly for a breast cancer symptom were conditional upon race. Ninety-six participants (68% Caucasian and 32% African American) in community settings completed measures of psychosocial, demographic, and clinical variables, and intention to seek care promptly for a breast lump. Controlling for education, financial coverage for health care, and family history of breast disease, the interactions of both utility and norm with race significantly explained intention. The positive influence of utility on intention was stronger among Caucasians than African Americans, but significant among both groups. The positive influence of social norm on intention was significant for Caucasians, but not for African Americans.