Breast self-examination: longitudinal predictors of intention and subsequent behaviour.

This study analysed in a longitudinal design the relationship between past breast self-examination (BSE) behaviour, determinants, intention and future BSE behaviour in a population of adult Dutch women. Past behaviour and psychosocial determinants were assessed at T1, followed 6 weeks later (T2) with the assessment of the intention to perform BSE monthly. Half a year after the first measurement the current BSE behaviour was assessed by means of a telephone survey (T3) (total end response 78%, n=364).

Short- and long-term effects of tailored information versus general information on determinants and intentions related to early detection of cancer.

Background: Since it is widely accepted that the earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of treatment and survival, people should be encouraged to create positive intentions toward early detection of several types of cancer, for instance, skin cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. This can be done by being alert to the warning signs of cancer and seeking help once a cancer symptom is detected.

Methods: A randomized controlled study (n = 1,500) assessed the effects of computer-tailored information and general information on determinants and intentions to engage in early detection behaviors (i.

Social psychological correlates of paying attention to cancer symptoms and seeking medical help.

Social psychological correlates of two main aspects of the process of cancer detection, viz. passive detection (i.e.

Early detection of cancer: knowledge and behavior among Dutch adults.

This paper reports on knowledge and behavior among Dutch adults (n = 1530) regarding early detection of cancer (passive detection, active detection and help-seeking behavior). Written questionnaires assessed knowledge of detection methods and cancer symptoms, symptom recognition, detection behaviors, and help-seeking behaviors. Respondents did not have much general knowledge of detection methods and cancer symptoms, but recognized most cancer symptoms.

A randomized controlled study of short-term and long-term effects of tailored information versus general information on intention and behavior related to early detection of cancer.

The effects of computer-tailored information and general information on passive detection (i.e., being alert to cancer symptoms) and help-seeking intention (i.

Sunbed use at home: risk behaviour and psychosocial determinants.

The objective of this study was to analyse the behaviour of people with regard to sunbed use at home, and to analyse the psychosocial determinants of intention and behaviour with regard to limiting the health risk of using sunbeds at home. Data were collected by means of a telephone survey among 349 adults from the Dutch general public who use sunbeds at home (response=95%). Determinants that were assessed were: attitude with respect to safer use and the use of sunbeds in general, the social influences people encounter to use sunbeds in a safer way, and the self-efficacy expectations people have of their ability to use sunbeds more safely.

Tailored versus general information on early detection of cancer: a comparison of the reactions of Dutch adults and the impact on attitudes and behaviors.

This article describes the process evaluation of two interventions (tailored or general information) to encourage people to behave in a manner conducive to the early detection of cancer. A total of 1040 Dutch adults participated in the study. Tailored information is adapted to the characteristics, needs and interests of the individual, and hence has more personal relevance and contains less redundant information.

Factors associated with the intention to use vitamin D supplements: quantitative study among a sample of elderly people in a medium-sized town in the Netherlands.

The objective of this study was to assess which factors are related to the intention of elderly people to use vitamin D supplements.A questionnaire that was based on several theories, feedback of experts, and personal interviews with members of the target group was distributed among a random sample of 497 elderly people in a medium-sized town in the Netherlands (response 46%). Variables measured included perceived susceptibility, severity and control with respect to developing a vitamin D deficiency or getting a bone fracture, and beliefs, perceived social norms, modeling, self-efficacy, and intention with respect to the use of vitamin D supplements.

Testicular self-examination (TSE) among Dutch young men aged 15-19: determinants of the intention to practice TSE.

The present study analyzed what determinants are important to describe and explain the intention of testicular self-examination (TSE) for young men aged 15-19 attending senior high school (response rate 80%, n = 274). The questionnaire assessed determinants, including knowledge, attitude (positive and negative consequences, anticipated regret, and moral obligation), social influence (social norm, social support and modeling) and self-efficacy. Knowledge of testicular cancer and TSE was very low.

Web-based tailored nutrition education: results of a randomized controlled trial.

There is ample evidence that printed, computer-tailored nutrition education is a more effective tool for motivating people to change to healthier diets than general nutrition education. New technology is now providing more advanced ways of delivering tailored messages, e.g.

Help-seeking behaviour for cancer symptoms: perceptions of patients and general practitioners.

The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of the relationship between knowledge and interpretation of symptoms, fear and trust on the one hand, and the decision to consult a general practitioner (GP) for cancer symptoms on the other. Qualitative interviews were used to evaluate the various factors. Twenty-three patients and ten GPs were interviewed.

A qualitative study on detecting cancer symptoms and seeking medical help; an application of Andersen's model of total patient delay.

Patient delay is the interval between the day someone first becomes aware of an unexplained symptom and the day they seek medical consultation. This pre-diagnostic period is comprised of several stages which may involve delay on the part of the individual. This study investigated factors influencing the process of detecting cancer symptoms and consulting a general practitioner (GP).

Motives for protective behavior against carcinogenic substances in the workplace: a pilot study among Dutch workers.

Exposure to carcinogenic substances in the workplace creates an increased risk of certain types of cancer among employees. In The Netherlands, more than one million of the total working population of 10 million are exposed to toxic substances in more than 100,000 Dutch companies. To motivate workers to comply with protective recommendations, it is important to know their reasons for complying or not complying.

Effects of an employee fitness program on reduced absenteeism.

The effect of participation in an employee fitness program on reduction of absenteeism due to illness on three different worksites (police force, chemical industry, banking) was studied. The study used a longitudinal pretest-posttest design. From 884 subjects, data were collected on absenteeism in the pre-intervention year and on absenteeism in the first year of the fitness program.

Participation in a breast cancer screening program: influence of past behavior and determinants on future screening participation.

Background: This study analyzed the relationship between past screening behavior, determinants, intention, and future screening participation in the Dutch national breast cancer screening program.

Methods: Participation at the first and second screening rounds was monitored. Furthermore, between the first and the second screening rounds, women received a questionnaire (response 58%, n = 395).

Consumption of fruit and vegetables: how to motivate the population to change their behavior.

This study reports the discrepancy between two methods to assess fruit and vegetable consumption in a Dutch adult population (N = 367). The consumption of fruit and vegetables was assessed by using a food frequency method (the number of grams of fruit and vegetables subjects ate every day) and by assessing subjects' own estimates of their fruit and vegetable intake. Besides the behavior, intention and determinants were measured using a theoretical model including attitude, self-efficacy and social influence to eat fruit and vegetables.

The Dutch cancer information helpline: experience and impact.

A study was performed to evaluate the experience and impact of the Dutch national cancer information helpline. During a period of 4 weeks all callers from the target groups general public, cancer patients and friends/relatives of patients were asked to fill in a structured postal questionnaire (response 73%; N = 532). Different characteristics of the helpline were evaluated: the overall quality of the information given, the communication skills of the educators and the telephone as a channel for getting information concerning cancer.

Psychosocial determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Psychosocial correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption were studied in an adult Dutch population (n = 367) based on the ASE model of attitudes, social influence and self-efficacy. Attitudes were a summation of beliefs about taste, different health consequences, and costs in time and money. Social influences were measured through the social stimulation respondents expected to get from important others to consume adequate amounts of fruit and vegetables and by asking the subjects about the behaviour of important others.

Starting participation in an employee fitness program: attitudes, social influence, and self-efficacy.

Background: This article presents a study of the determinants of starting participation in an employee fitness program. Information from 488 employees, recruited from two worksites, was obtained. From these employees the determinants of participation were studied.

Participation in an employee fitness program: determinants of high adherence, low adherence, and dropout.

This article presents the results of a study of the determinants of adherence level in an employee fitness program. Of all 236 employees who started participating in the program the determinants of level of participation (high adherence, low adherence, and dropouts) during the program were studied by means of a pretest and posttest design. The questionnaire was based on different theoretical concepts.