Predictors of Pap Smear Screening Behavior Among Rural Women in Tabriz, Iran: An Application of Health Belief Model

Background: In order to increase the acceptance level of the cervical cancer screening behavior among women, understanding the associated factors of the behavior is necessary. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive determinants of Pap smear screening (PSS) behaviors among rural women in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: In this cross sectional study, multistage random sampling was employed to recruit 220 rural women in Tabriz, Iran. A valid and reliable health behavior model (HBM)-based instrument was completed by all the respondents. Results: The odds ratio of perceived benefits in multivariable was 1.18 (1.08 - 1.27) i.e. with one unit increase in perceived benefits, odds cervical cancer screening behavior 18% increases, and age = 0.94 (0.91 - 0.98) i.e. with one unit increase in age, odds cervical cancer screening behavior 6% decreases were statistically significant. Conclusions: The HBM was promising in determining the cognitive predictors of PSS behavior. Healthcare providers may specifically focus on perceived benefits and perceived barriers for designing PSS promotion interventions.