Table 1 Outcome measures and timing of data collection

Intention

Intention towards self-testing

1

­Do you intend to use a cholesterol self-test in the future?

1, 2

1 = Definitely not; 2 = Probably not; 3 = Perhaps, 4 = Probably,

5 = Definitely

HBM-concepts

Perceived susceptibility:

2 (α = .747)

According to you, what are the chances that you will develop a cardiovascular disease?

1, 2

the individual’s belief of the risk of contracting a certain disease

­1 = Very high; 2 = High; 3 = Not high/not low; 4 = Low; 5 = Very low;

6 = I already have cardiovascular disease

Recoded into: 0 = I already have cardiovascular disease; 1 = very low; 2 = low; 3 = not high/not low; 4 = high; 5 = very high

Perceived severity:

1

How severe do you think cardiovascular diseases are?

2

the individual’s belief of the seriousness of a certain disease

1 = Very severe; 2 = Severe; 3 = Neutral; 4 = Not severe; 5 = Not severe at all

Recoded into: 1 = Not severe at all; 2 = Not severe; 3 = Neutral; 4 = severe; 5 = very severe

Cues to action:

7 (α = .713)

To me, a reason to use a cholesterol self-test would be If I have a medical complaint

2

bodily or environmental events that trigger action such as education, symptoms, media

1 = completely disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = neutral; 4 = agree; 5 = completely agree

Perceived benefits:

9 (α = .847)

According to me, performing a cholesterol self-test is important

2

the individual’s belief that a certain action will reduce susceptibility or decrease seriousness

1 = completely disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = neutral; 4 = agree; 5 = completely agree

Perceived barriers:

5 (α = .778)

The costs of a cholesterol self-test are a barrier to me

2

the individual’s belief about the negative aspects/costs of a certain action

1 = completely disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = neutral; 4 = agree; 5 = completely agree

Self-efficacy:

2 (α = .712)

Performing a cholesterol self-test is difficult

2

the individual’s confidence in one’s capability to successfully perform a certain action

1 = completely disagree; 2 = disagree; 3 = neutral; 4 = agree; 5 = completely agree

Ambivalence

Ambivalence

3 (α = .853)

The following questions concern the way you feel about a cholesterol self-test

1, 2

With regards to doing a cholesterol self-test I have…..

1 = very definite feelings – 7 = very mixed feelings