Predictors of non-attendance in a population-based mammography screening programme; socio-demographic factors and aspects of health behaviour

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of non-attendance in a pop ulation-based mammography-screening programme in central Sweden, on the bas is of telephone interviews with 434 non-attendees and 515 attendees identif ied in a mammography register, Non-attendance was studied in relation to so ciodemographic factors, indicators of general health behaviour, self-rated health and experience of cancer in others and own cancer or breast problems . Being single or being non-employed were the only important socio-demograp hic predictors of non-attendance. Non-attendance was more likely among wome n who never visited a dentist, had not visited a doctor in 5 years, had nev er used oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, had never had c ervical smear tests, never drank alcohol, smoked regularly, reported no bre ast cancer in family or friends or own breast problems, We conclude that so cio-demographic factors alone do not appear to constitute strong predictors of non-attendance, General health behaviour and previous experience of can cer and breast disease seem to be more important factors. Our results sugge st that in the setting of population-based outreach mammography programmes, previous contacts with the health care system and encouragement from healt h professionals represent determinants of attendance. (C) 2000 Lippincott W illiams & Wilkins.