A conceptual explanation of risk-reduction behavior and intervention development.

This study used a new conceptual model of health behavior to examine a specific risk-reduction response. Known to be at risk for fetal abnormalities because of maternal age, 203 women were examined for their acceptance or rejection of an amniocentesis test on the basis of individual characteristics and external significant factors. The multivariate approach to analysis offered a fuller explanation for nonuse of prenatal diagnosis than was previously available. In addition to specific client factors, environmental factors such as financial support for the procedure, multiple information sources, social support, and aspects of the client-provider interaction were determined to be important in explaining client acceptance or rejection of the test. More importantly, the study demonstrated the advantages of using a conceptual model to direct the development of interventions.