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 (χ2 = 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.