Author/Authors :
Azizi, Hosein Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics - School of Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Tehran, Iran , Babazadeh, Towhid Department of Public Health - Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences - Sarab, Iran , Ghaffari-Fam, Saber Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences - Tabriz, Iran , Mostafa-Gharabaghi, Parvin Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences - Tabriz, Iran , Oliaei, Shahram Center of Submarine and Hyperbaric Medicine - Health Deputy of the Iranian Navy - Tehran, Iran , Sarbazi, Ehsan Ahar Health Center - Tabriz University of Medical Sciences - Tabriz, Iran , Shirdel, Arash Department of Health Management and Economics - School of Public Health - Tehran University of Medical Sciences - Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: In order to increase the acceptance level of the cervical cancer screening behavior among women, understanding the
associated factors of the behavior is necessary.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive determinants of Pap smear screening (PSS) behaviors among rural
women in Tabriz, Iran.
Methods: In this cross sectional study, multistage random sampling was employed to recruit 220 rural women in Tabriz, Iran. A
valid and reliable health behavior model (HBM)-based instrument was completed by all the respondents.
Results: The odds ratio of perceived benefits in multivariable was 1.18 (1.08 - 1.27) i.e. with one unit increase in perceived benefits,
odds cervical cancer screening behavior 18% increases, and age = 0.94 (0.91 - 0.98) i.e. with one unit increase in age, odds cervical
cancer screening behavior 6% decreases were statistically significant.
Conclusions: The HBM was promising in determining the cognitive predictors of PSS behavior. Healthcare providers may specifically
focus on perceived benefits and perceived barriers for designing PSS promotion interventions
