FACTORS INFLUENCING NONADHERENCE TO MOBILE BREAST SCREENING

While some generalizations are possible in accounting for nonadherence to prevention and early detection programs, explanations for compliance are highly specific to the behaviour in question, the disease site and type, and the unique characteristics of the population. The present study identified specific barriers to adherence in a typical northern community serviced by a mobile breast screening van. Sixty-one percent of all eligible women in the community participated in a telephone administered questionnaire. Of the total population, 83% of all attending and 36% of all nonattending women were sampled. Six variables produced an overall correct classification rate of 82%. Lack of active social encouragement, a perceived lack of information, and the actual number of concerns expressed are discussed as primary barriers to mobile breast screening attendance. The importance of family and friends as encouragers and as channels of media information and the power of physician encouragement in recruitment is explored.