The Effect of Education on Women's Practice Based on the Health Belief Model about Pap Smear Test

Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in Iran. The single most effective tool in reducing death due to cervical cancer is the use of pap smear as a screening tool. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of education based on Health Belief Model about giving pap smear in women. This quasi-experimental study was performed on 70 women who referred to two health center in Kouhdasht (Lorestan- Iran). The samples were randomly divided in two groups (35 in intervention group and 35 in control group). The data were collected by a validated and reliable questionnaire. Interventions were run based on Health Belief Model during three sessions only for intervention group. Each educational session was for 45–60 min. The independent t-test and paired t-test were used to analyze data. A two-tailed P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. According to results, the mean scores of knowledge were significantly different between two groups after intervention (P < 0.001). The mean scores of the model variables (perceived susceptibility and severity, perceived benefits, and barriers) had no significant difference in the two groups before intervention, but after intervention had significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). Designing and executing health education programs based on health belief model can promote the practice of women regarding to pap smear tests.