Cervical Cancer Screening in Southern Iran: Understanding Prevalence and Predictors through the Health Belief Model Approach

Despite the low incidence rate of cervical cancer, the mortality-to-incidence ratio from this cancer is currently high in Iran, because it is diagnosed in advanced stages. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of cervical cancer screening among women.

 This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran, 2022. The study population included women aged 21-65 years old referring to primary health care centers and maternity ward of Afzalipour Hospital. The sample size was calculated as 400 individuals. The participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected based on the health belief model questionnaire and the validity and reliability of the Persian version were assessed by the researchers. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0.

A total of 372 respondents, 191 (51.3%) had a Pap smear test and 11 (3%) received the HPV vaccine. The participants reported lack of sufficient information as the main reason for not receiving the vaccine (79.2%). Our finding indicated that older age (P<0.001), increasing perceived seriousness of cervical cancer (P=0.006) and decreasing perceived barriers to undergoing a Pap smear test (P<0.001) increase the odds of having a Pap smear test.

 The results of the present study underscore the need for increasing knowledge with an emphasis on the perceived seriousness of cervical cancer among women. Additionally, the health system should cover the costs of Pap smear test, HPV test, and HPV vaccination to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in Iran.