Il ruolo delle credenze sulla salute nella prevenzione del tumore al collo dell'utero

Abstract To investigate the best predictors of intention to get a Papsmear through Protection Motivation Theory variables (PMT; Rogers, 1983) and Health Locus of Control (HLoC; Wallston et al.,1978). 79 women aged 25- 44 and 75 aged 45-64 completed an ad hoc questionnaire including TMP items and the Multidimensional HLoC Scale. This study reveals that TMP’s a useful theoretical framework to explain the intention to undergo for a Pap-smear. The inclusion of HLoC doesn’t contribute significantly to the intention explanation. Response self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility and internal HLoC are significant predictors for women under 45 years, whereas response selfefficacy and powerful others HLoC predict intention for women over 45 years. Response self-efficacy seems to be the most important predictor of the intention to go for a Pap-smear for all the women. However, intention seems to be decreased by perceived susceptibility and by women’s belief to control their health (for women under 45) and by the belief that others can take care of their health (for women over 45).