The Effect of Health Perception Promotion Program on Cervical Cancer Self-Sampling among Female Inmates in Udon Thani Provincial Prison

Abstract

A quasi-experimental, single-group, pre and post-test design was conducted to examine the effects of health perception promotion program on cervical cancer self-sampling and screening acceptance among 204 female inmates at Udon Thani Provincial Prison. The research instruments included the cervical cancer self-sampling health perception promotion program, a personal data questionnaire, a cervical cancer screening data record form, and a cervical cancer health perception assessment form. The CVI values were 0.82, 0.88, and 0.96, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

The results revealed that the sample group had an average age of 37.82±5.30 years old. After the intervention, the sample's scores in five health perception domains; perceived risk of cervical cancer, perceived severity of cervical cancer, perceived benefits of treatment and prevention, perceived barriers to preventive behaviors, and perceived motivators were significantly higher than before the intervention in all domains (p<0.001). The sample accepted cervical cancer self-sampling and submitted sampling specimens 100%.

Conclusion: The health perception promotion program can promote health perception, and screening acceptance. This program should be applied to cervical cancer screening in female inmates who have limited access to services.