Dr. Rutter et al., PREDICTING REATTENDANCE IN THE 2ND-ROUND OF THE UK NATIONAL BREAST SCREENING-PROGRAM - A PROSPECTIVE 3-YEAR LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS, Breast, 6(3), 1997, pp. 120-125
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.