Using the health belief model to understand cholesterol and blood pressure screenings in rural populations in central Texas.
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to develop and test Health Belief Model (HBM) construct scales to understand cholesterol screening behavior in rural communities in central Texas. A survey was developed using modified verisons of cancer screening surveys. The resulting 67-item survey instrument was disseminated to three rural communities through school districts, churches, and community programs. Of the 1,125 survey dissemenated, 170 were returned (15.1%). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed the following scales: susceptibility (7 items), severity (3 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (6 items), and self-efficacy (6 items). Logistic regression was conducted for meeting cholesterol guidelines and intention to screen using HBM constructs and demographic and health variables. The final model for meeting cholesterol guidelines included perceived barriers, insurance, age, disease index, and BMI. The final model for intention included race/ethnicity, age, and BMI. This study supports the use of HBM constructs to understand cholesterol screening behavior in rural communities.