Effects of a brief theory-based intervention on the practice of testicular self-examination by high school males

J Sch Health. 1990 Nov;60(9):459-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1990.tb05977.x.

Abstract

This preliminary study evaluated a brief intervention, based on the theory of planned behavior, designed to encourage high school students to practice testicular self-examination (TSE). Ninety-nine male ninth and 10th grade students were exposed to a message challenging beliefs about outcomes of performing TSE as suggested by the theory of planned behavior, a message providing information about TSE and testicular cancer, or a control message, after which they completed a questionnaire operationalizing components of the theoretical model. Four weeks later, students reported their practice of TSE. As predicted, students exposed to the theory-based message reported a stronger intention to perform TSE and, at follow-up, were more likely to report having performed the exam than study participants exposed to other messages. Data provide partial support for the utility of the theory of planned behavior as a framework for constructing health-promoting messages. Future research recommendations are offered.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Self-Examination / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Testicular Neoplasms / diagnosis*