Abstract
One of the most preventable cancers in women is cervical cancer. Pap smear test is an effective screening program; however, it is not conducted very frequently. The aim of this study is explaining the determinants affecting women’s participation in the Pap smear test based on precaution adoption process model with a qualitative approach. This study was a qualitative approach using a Directed Content Analysis methodology which was conducted in 2014. Participants were 30 rural women who participated in this study voluntarily in sarvabad, Iran. Purposive sampling was initiated and continued until data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were the primary method of data collection. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and continuous comparisons. Women`s information and awareness about cervical cancer and Pap smear is insufficient and most of them believed that they were not at risk; however, they perceived the severity of the disease. Some of them had no adequate understanding of the test benefits. They pointed to the lack of time, financial difficulties, fear of test result and lack of awareness as the main barriers against the Pap smear test; however, they did not say that they were not willing to do the test. Findings could help health policy makers to find the right area and purpose to facilitate the participation of women in the Pap smear test.
Highlights
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world .Almost half a million new cases are found annually, killing 274000 people in the world (World Health Organization, 2013)
The aim of this study is explaining the determinants affecting women's participation in the Pap smear test based on precaution adoption process model with a qualitative approach
Findings could help health policy makers to find the right area and purpose to facilitate the participation of women in the Pap smear test
Summary
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world .Almost half a million new cases are found annually, killing 274000 people in the world (World Health Organization, 2013). The highest incidence and mortality of cervical cancer is in developing countries because cancer prevention and control programs in these countries are insufficient. About 80% of cervical cancers have declined implementing effective prevention programs and effective treatment in the early stages (Hoory et al, 2008). Pap smear test is a screening test for cervical cancer diagnosis in apparently healthy women and is considered as a health behavior and health promotion. This test is carried out annually for women who are sexually active for three years, if the condition was desired and it should be www.ccsenet.org/gjhs
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