The Survey of Factors Affecting Pap Smears Based on Health Belief Model in Health Centers in Fasa, Fars Province, Iran

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world and the most frequent in developing countries. Secondary prevention, achieved through Pap smear testing, is the single most effective tool in reducing deaths due to cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting Pap smears in women based on the Health Belief Model in health centers of Fasa, Iran. This cross-sectional study comprised a total of 200 randomly selected married women who referred to health centers in Fasa, Iran. The participants responded to the standard questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 18. In this study, approximately 25% of the subjects had a history of the test. The mean score of all health belief model-related perceived variables including susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers in patients with a history of the test was higher than those without a history. Analyzing the data using independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of all HBM structures with performing Pap test in patients with a history of the test. The most important reason for performing the Pap test by subjects was the health professionals’ advice (84%), and the main reason for not performing the test by subjects was their belief that they are not susceptible to cancer. Women’s health care professionals play effective roles in informing women about factors related to cervical cancer screening. According to the results, it would be beneficial to design strategies for reducing barriers to Pap smear test among women