Predictors of Behavioral Intention for Pap Smear Testing Based on the Theory of Protection Motivation in Women

Aims: One of the cancers that threaten women’s health is cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of the behavioral intention of Pap smear testing based on the theory of protective motivation in women. Instrument Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Participants in this study were 300 women referring to public clinics in one of the selected hospitals in Tehran. In this study, a reliable and valid questionnaire based on protection motivation theory was used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19 as well as a correlation test and stepwise regression. Findings: The findings revealed that the correlation coefficients of perceived sensitivity (r=0.47), perceived intensity (r=0.53), fear (r=0.46), response costs (r=0.54), response efficiency (r=0.2), self-efficacy (r=0.53), and behavioral intent were significant at a confidence level of 0.99 and in a positive direction. The ability of behavioral intention prediction for response costs (26.2%), self-efficacy (11.6%), fear (1.8%), and perceived sensitivity (3.2%) was recorded, these variables can predict about 42.8% of changes in behavioral intention for Pap smear testing. Conclusion: The behavioral intent of having a pap smear testing can be predicted based on the theory of protective motivation in women. Therefore, designing educational programs within the framework of this theory is recommended to improve Pap smear testing.