Understanding the uptake of cervical cancer screening: the contribution of the health belief model.

摘要: The health belief model, explaining and illness behaviour, is 25 years old. Criticisms of the model have included its abstract nature emphasis on rationality patients' behaviour. Its lack predictive power means it provides a useful framework rather than true model. used here to review literature that has advanced our understanding factors affecting uptake cervical screening. influence age social class perceptions vulnerability, costs benefits screening are highlighted. body work reviewed helped expose inherent limitations programmes. main obstacles success organizational, for example, inaccuracy address registers. Numerous ways encouraging identified. These include appropriately worded invitations educational material, personalized approaches from members primary care team flexible surgery hours. incentives introduced under 1990 general practitioner contract likely help increase uptake.