Effects of a cognition-emotion focused program to increase public participation in Papanicolaou smear screening

Abstract

Objective: Despite high incidence rates of cervical cancer in Korea, Papanicolaou (Pap) tests are not utilized as a preventive behavior. This study examined the effects of an emotion-cognition focused program on the decision of taking Pap tests in Korean women.

Design: A non-equivalent control group post-test only design was utilized.

Sample: A convenience sample was randomly assigned to either experimental (N=48) or control group (N=48) after matching for education and age.

Measurements: Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test, Champion's Health Belief Model, and Self-Efficacy Scale were used. Intention and stage of adoption to take a Pap test were measured with single items.

Results: Women in the experimental group had significantly higher scores on knowledge of cervical cancer (t=6.99, p<.001) and perceived benefits of Pap tests (t=2.91, p<.05), lower scores on procedural (t=-2.45, p<.05) and cognitive (t=-2.66, p<.01) barriers to testing. Improvement in self-efficacy (t=3.38, p<.01), strong intention to have the test (t=2.99, p<.01), and advanced stages of behavior adoption (chi2=12.93, p<.01) were also found.

Conclusions: Women's perspectives, attitudes of health care practitioners, and clinical environment need to be considered if change is to happen in women's preventive behavior related to Pap test screening.