Predictive Factors of Cervical Cancer Self-Screening Among Women Aged 20 Years and Above in the Health Service Area of Surin Province

Abstract

This descriptive analytical study aimed to examine factors predicting the intention to undergo self-sampling cervical cancer screening among women in the health service area of Surin Province. Data were collected between December 2024 and May 2025 from 130 women of reproductive age aged 20 years and older who were selected using voluntary sampling. Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire with an acceptable content validity (index of item–objective congruence ≥ 0.6) and good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis, with the level of statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

               The results showed that the majority of participants had a mean age of 30.64 years (S.D.= 7.20). Nearly half were single (49.20%), half had attained a bachelor’s degree (50.00%), and the most common occupation was government service (24.60%). The average monthly income was 19,407 Thai Baht (S.D. = 12,625.61). All participants (100%) had never previously undergone self-sampling cervical cancer screening. Overall health literacy regarding self-sampling cervical cancer screening was at a moderate level (mean = 3.68, S.D. = 0.90). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that significant predictors of the intention to undergo self-sampling cervical cancer screening (p < 0.001) included media literacy (β = 0.93), access to health information and services (β = 0.47), self-management (β = −0.46), health communication (β = −0.25), decision-making for health practices (β = 0.25), educational level (β = 0.14), and age (β = 0.11). The model explained 84.10% of the variance in screening intention. These findings suggest that interventions to promote self-sampling cervical cancer screening should prioritize enhancing media literacy and improving access to convenient, user-friendly health services, as these factors exert the strongest influence on screening behavior. In addition, proactive health communication strategies are needed to address overconfidence related to self-care, while emphasizing informed health decision-making, educational advancement, and age-specific strategies to achieve sustainable acceptance and uptake of self-sampling cervical cancer screening among Thai women.