The effect of telephone versus print tailoring for mammography adherence.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this intervention was to increase mammography adherence in women who had not had a mammogram in the last 15 months.

METHODS:

A prospective randomized intervention trial used four groups: (1) usual care, (2) tailored telephone counseling, (3) tailored print, (4) tailored telephone counseling and print. Participants included a total of 1244 women from two sites-a general medicine clinic setting serving predominately low-income clientele and a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Computer-tailored interventions addressed each woman's perceived risk of breast cancer, benefits and/or barriers and self-efficacy related to mammography screening comparing delivery by telephone and mail.

RESULTS:

Compared to usual care all intervention groups increased mammography adherence significantly (odds ratio 1.60-1.91) when the entire sample was included.

CONCLUSIONS:

All interventions groups demonstrated efficacy in increasing mammography adherence as compared to a usual care group. When the intervention analysis considered baseline stage, pre contemplators (women who did not intend to get a mammogram) did not significantly increase in mammography adherence as compared to usual care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:

Women who are in pre contemplation stage may need a more intensive intervention.