Effect of education based on health belief model on women's attitudes toward cervical cancer screening

Abstract

Background: In women under 45, cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer worldwide, making it a significant public health concern worldwide. Research Design: Quasi-experimental design (pre-test, post-test) was used to achieve the aim of this study. Sample: A purposive sample of 100 women. Data Collection Tool. Questionnaire (I): A structured interviewing questionnaire includes the socio-demographic characteristics of women. (II): The Health Belief Model Scale for Cervical Cancer and the Pap Smear Test. Results: Before introducing the educational program, 38% of the participant women had a negative attitude regarding cervical cancer, and screening improved to 18% post-implementation. Also, 62% of the participant women who had positive attitudes before implementing the educational program increased to 82% regarding cervical cancer screening after implementation. Likewise, 45% of the participant women had good beliefs regarding cervical cancer, and screening before implementing the educational program improved to 90% of them after implementation. Conclusion: Providing health education to women based on the principles of the health belief model can positively affect women's beliefs and attitudes toward Cervical Cancer Screening. Recommendation: Periodically enhancing women to perform cervical cancer screening guided by health belief model principles.