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.