Abstract B049: Psychological underpinnings of cervical cancer screening intentions among the underserved: An examination of the influence of cancer fatalistic notions and associated cognitions

Cervical cancer screening participation is squarely determined by judgment and decision-making, but research examining the influence of cognitive biases on screening decisions remains scant. For instance, the implications of fatalistic views of cancer has been studied in the past, but no other research has furthered explored the psychological underpinnings of cancer fatalism and related constructs in relation to cervical cancer screening intentions. Critically important, however, is to explore the nature of the relationship between cancer fatalism and two related cognitions—cancer information overload (confusion and overwhelming feelings toward cancer information) and cancer information avoidance—for the development of effective psychological interventions. Another wrinkle is added when considering the social demographics of potential screening-seekers due to the health disparities of cervical cancer (Bazargan, Bazargan, Farooq & Baker, 2004) and high endorsement of cancer fatalism among minorities and other disadvantaged groups (for a review, see Espinosa de los Monteros & Gallo, 2011). Another chief aim of this current work was to examine the relationships between the constructs of interest in relation to the three components implicated by the theory of planned behavior (see Ajzen & Madden, 1986) as most predictive of behavioral intent. That is, attitude toward cervical cancer screening, subjective norms about cancer screening (what person believes others think she should do), and perceived behavioral control over getting cancer screening were the outcome variables. I recruited 90 community women from an online subject recruitment forum and presented them with the measures of interest in random order. Results showed that cancer fatalism and cancer information overload predicted negative attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Cancer fatalism also predicted subjective norms but not perceived behavioral control. Educational attainment and access to health insurance were also associated with cancer fatalistic thoughts, but not minority status. Lastly, cancer information avoidance (effect modifier) interacted with cancer fatalistic thoughts in predicting attitudes toward cervical cancer screening and intentions to adhere to Pap exam recommendations. Theoretical and practical implications to public health promotion are discussed.

Citation Format: Carlos O Garrido. Psychological underpinnings of cervical cancer screening intentions among the underserved: An examination of the influence of cancer fatalistic notions and associated cognitions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B049.