| This study examined the behavioral intentions of women between the ages of 18--25 years to obtain an annual gynecological exam and to see if these intentions were affected by sexual orientation. A convenience sample of 486 women at Rutgers University-New Brunswick/Piscataway participated in this study. Using the Theory of pf Planned Behavior as a framework, a paper and pencil anonymous survey was used to collect data. The three main components that comprised behavioral intention are attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms related to the behavior, and perceived behavior control related to one's ability to engage in or complete the behavior. This research project added two additional variables---knowledge and perceived knowledge. The instrument measured behavioral intentions, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and perceived knowledge with 7-point Likert-type scales. Knowledge was collected with two true/false items. Demographic information of the participants was also collected. For data analysis, the model was tested for two separate groups of women, heterosexual and non-heterosexual. Data analysis illustrates that there are differences between heterosexual and non-heterosexual women relating attitude and subjective norms as well as knowledge and perceived knowledge related to behavioral intentions to obtain an annual gynecological exam. Attitude was the strongest predictor of intentions and knowledge affected intentions for both populations. |
