Women's Attitude and Beliefs about Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test by using the Health Belief Model

Abstract

Background: Determination of women’s attitudes and beliefs about cervical cancer and pap smear test are so important to overcome barriers and provide screening behavior. The aim of this study was to determine women’s attitude and beliefs about cervical cancer and pap smear test according to Health Belief Model. Methods: The study was conducted with a sample of 611 women who applied to the hospital, which is located in Turkey. Characteristics of women questionnaire and Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test are used for the study. Results: In the study, 31.3% of women had pap smear test and women who had higher socioeconomic status, who had children, had gynecological examination regularly and who were at an advanced age were most likely to have pap smear test. Women with low socio-economic status (education, employment and income status) had low score from health motivation and high score from perceived barriers. Women who had regular gynecological examination had the pap smear test, heard and had information about the test were found to have the higher score for benefits of pap smear tests and health motivation and lower score from perceived barriers subscale. The most important barrier for having pap smear test was found as male doctor (53.9%). Susceptibility score was lower in employed, younger women and women who heard pap smear test. Barriers score was high in younger women, women with three or more children and women who had stillbirth. Conclusion: Negative beliefs and attitudes about cervical cancer and lower socioeconomic status affect the rate of having pap smear test.