The Effect of Women's Health Literacy Status on their Attitudes and Behaviors Towards the Pap Smear Test: A Series In Turkey

Background and Objective: Early diagnosis is important for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Pap smear test, which is used for early diagnosis, does not reach about half of women. This low level of use of preventive health services is associated with low health literacy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of women's knowledge and health literacy status on their attitudes and behaviors towards the Pap smear test. <br /> Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed with 260 women. The convenience sampling method was used, and the study data were collected with a personal information form and the Health Literacy Scale at Yozgat Bozok University Research and Application Hospital between June and September 2022. <br /> Results: The average age of the women included in the study was 33.5 +/- 10.6 years and the total health literacy score was mean 54.52 +/- 13.40. The health literacy levels of women aged >= 41 years, who were married, with a primary school level of education, and not working in an income-generating job were lower than those of the others (p<0.05). It was determined that only 28.1% of the women had previously had a Pap smear test and were considering having it done again. The health literacy level of the women who did not know the test, had not had one previously, and did not plan to have it, was lower than that of the others (p<0.05). <br /> Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that health literacy affects women's attitudes and behaviors towards the Pap smear test. The attitudes and behaviors of women with a high health literacy level towards the Pap smear test were seen to be positive.