Pap smear test among Women: An Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model

Pap smear is an appropriate method in prevention and reducing mortalities of cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on the frequency of pap smear test among women. This study was a quasi-experimental and interventional one among 120 women (60 as the intervention group، and 60 in the control group) referred to two of the health centers of Hamadan in 2011. All the subjects were followed up for three months. Participants responded to a standard self-report questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software (V: 16)، and P<0. 05 was taken as the significant level. After the educational program a significant improvement in the average response to perceived barriers to undergoing Pap smear test (P=0. 001) and perceived severity of cervical cancer complications (P=0. 001) were found among intervention group. In addition، after intervention the rate of doing Pap smear test significantly increased among both groups (P=0. 013). Doing Pap smear test increased among the cases and confirmed the effectiveness of this health educational program for women.