Factors Affecting Cervical Cancer Prevention Behaviors of Women in a Community

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to investigate cervical cancer prevention behaviors and factors that influence such behaviors among women in a community. The sample consisted of 103 women aged 30-60 years in Ban Puk Sub-district, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. The data collection instruments included a general information questionnaire, the cervical cancer knowledge test form, the measurement tool developed from Becker and Maiman's Belief Theory of Health, and the cervical cancer prevention behavior scale. The questionnaire content validity was checked by experts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analyses. The results showed that, 1) perception of the benefits of cervical cancer screening and the perception of the severity of the disease and perceived risk opportunities were at a high level. Social support was moderate; 2) age (β = .19), perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening (β =-.47) and social support for screening cervical cancer (β =.24) could together predict 36.4% of cervical cancer prevention behavior with statistical significance at the .05 level (R²_adj=.345, p<.001). This study is useful for personnel in developing activities or programs to promote cervical cancer prevention behaviors in at-risk women. Reducing factors that hinder cervical cancer screening and increasing social support for at-risk women to receive cancer screening cervical impregnation are important.