Determinants factors to Pap smear screening among married women in a city of South Iran: applying the BASNEF model

Abstract

Background Cervical cancer is known to be preventable because of the long pre-invasion period and the availability of appropriate screening methods. Pap smear is a selective screening approach, which is not taken seriously enough by many women. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study was performed using electronic health records of 202 women visiting the health centers chosen through the systematic sampling method. The data collection tool contained items on demographic information, awareness regarding cervical cancer, and the beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors (BASNEF) model constructs. Data were analyzed using the linear regression analysis, logistic regression, and multivariate regression analysis with backward selection in SPSS, version 18. Results Based on the results, more than half of the women had never had a Pap smear test. Of the 202 women, only 14.8% had repeated the Pap smear test at the standard interval. Attitudes and subjective norms predicted the intention to have a Pap smear test among the eligible women. Overall, 10% of the changes in behavioral intention were explained by attitudes and subjective norms. In the BASNEF model, the behavioral intention was one of the most important factors that affected compliance with the Pap smear test among the eligible women. Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it is possible to improve screening behaviors among women through proper planning to increase awareness and improve attitudes, subjective norms, enabling factors, and behavioral intention. Pap smear plays an important role in controlling cervical cancer.

Predicting cervical cancer screening behavior among women in southern Iran: a cross-sectional study with PEN-3 model

“…The results showed that the mean attitude scores of women who performed the cervical cancer screening behavior were higher than those who did not show this behavior. This finding is consistent with the findings of studies conducted by Hislop et al [ 22 ], Vega Crespo et al [ 31 ], Momeni et al [ 25 ], Moradi et al [ 32 ], Fallahi et al [ 33 ], Shakibazadeh et al [ 34 ] and Kirubarajan et al [ 24 ]. In a study conducted by Vega Crespo et al [ 31 ] among women undergoing screening in Ecuador, the following were found to be the cervical cancer screening barriers: fear of pain during the test, embarrassment (an uncomfortable and even humiliating experience, especially when a male doctor is present), fear of exposure to misbehavior or sexual harassment during the test, fear of rape, negative social labeling for doing the Pap test (because some women think the screening is mainly for women who have multiple sexual partners and it is not considered necessary for respectable women, and participation in regular screening can lead to social discrimination), fear of the possible positive result and preference for not doing the screening, a fear induced by the lacking knowledge.…”

“…The results showed that the mean score of knowledge in women who performed cervical cancer screening behavior was higher than those who did not show the healthy behavior. This finding is consistent with a body of research conducted by Anaman-Torgbor et al [ 19 ], Adunlin et al [ 20 ], Kwok et al [ 21 ], Hislop et al [ 22 ], Juon et al [ 23 ], Kirubarajan et al [ 24 ], Momeni et al [ 25 ], Bakht et al [ 26 ], Enjezab et al [ 27 ], Keshavarz et al [ 28 ], and Akbari et al [ 29 ]. In their study, Wong et al [ 30 ] mentioned the most common reason for not taking the test to be inadequate knowledge of the necessity of taking the test and its benefits.…”

“…The research findings showed that the mean enablers score in women who showed the cervical cancer screening behavior was higher than those who did not show this behavior. This finding is consistent with a body of research by Adunlin et al[ 20 ], Anaman-Torgbor et al [ 19 ], Kwok et al [ 21 ], Hislop et al [ 22 ], Kirubarajan et al [ 24 ], Bahmani et al [ 35 ], Momeni et al [ 25 ], Fallahi et al [ 33 ], Shakibazadeh et al [ 34 ], Vega Crespo et al [ 31 ]. In Kirubarajan et al‘s study [ 24 ], low access to services, difficulty finding a consistent healthcare provider, especially after moving away from home for work or school, especially in rural areas with only one provider, or places with limited access to women doctors, the transportation system, the cost of screening services, and financial and time limitations were some barriers to screening.…”

Impact of virtual education based on health belief model on cervical cancer screening behavior in middle‐aged women: A quasi‐experimental study

“…15 However, studies show that only 3%-14.8% of eligible individuals in Iran have regularly undergone Pap smear testing. 5,15 Researches conducted in different regions of the world indicate that women do not participate in Pap smear screening programs for various reasons. In many of these studies, lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and Pap smear screening and wrong beliefs in this regard are mentioned.…”

“…10 According to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Iran, all women are required to undergo a Pap smear test after marriage, and after having three reliable negative tests over three consecutive years, this screening should be repeated once every 3 years. 15 However, studies show that only 3%-14.8% of eligible individuals in Iran have regularly undergone Pap smear testing. 5,15 Researches conducted in different regions of the world indicate that women do not participate in Pap smear screening programs for various reasons.…”