PREDICTING REATTENDANCE IN THE 2ND-ROUND OF THE UK NATIONAL BREAST SCREENING-PROGRAM - A PROSPECTIVE 3-YEAR LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS

In a prospective questionnaire study published in 1993, we examined th e predictors of attendance for X-ray mammography in the first round of the UK National Breast Screening Programme, The present paper follows up the same women 3 years later to find out how many reattended in th e second round and which of our original measures would predict reatte ndance. Attendance in the second round was slightly higher than in the first (82% against 79%), and 93% of first round attenders reattended. Reattendance was predicted by initial demographic characteristics, he alth behaviours and attitudes, but not by responses to the original sc reen. The main reasons for non-attendance were practical difficulties, experiences of previous screens, and misgivings about screening. We c onclude that first time attendance is predicted by social and psycholo gical characteristics - what women bring to screening - and reattendan ce is a matter of routine. If those who are unsure can be persuaded to attend once, they are likely to attend again.