Do perceptions of vulnerability and worry mediate the effects of a smoking cessation intervention for women attending for a routine cervical smear test? An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous correlational studies have examined whether perceptions of vulnerability or worry are better predictors of health-related behavior. The aim of this experimental study was to explore some of the potential causal relationships involved: Are the effects of a brief smoking cessation intervention (for women attending for cervical smear tests) on intention to stop smoking mediated by perceived vulnerability or worry about cervical cancer?

DESIGN: A mediation analysis of an experimental study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceived vulnerability to and worry about cervical cancer, and intention to stop smoking in the next month.

RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 172 (71%) women at 2-week follow-up. Compared with women in the control group, those in the intervention group had higher perceptions of vulnerability, worry, and intention to stop smoking. Personal vulnerability (p < .01) and comparative vulnerability (p < .05) were significant mediators of the relationship between study group and intention to stop smoking. Worry about cervical cancer was not related to intention.

CONCLUSION: Worry may be a less important construct in relation to disease prevention behaviors such as smoking cessation. More experimental studies comparing different behaviors are needed to determine the causal relationship between worry and outcomes.