Psychological Factors Related to Cervical Cancer Screening Based on the Extended Parallel Process Model: A Correlational Study

Ezzati, Ellahe; Rakhshanderou, Sakineh; Abdipour, Narguess; Ghaffari, Mohtasham

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Psychological Factors Related to Cervical Cancer Screening Based on the Extended Parallel Process Model: A Correlational Study

Ellahe Ezzati

, Sakineh Rakhshanderou

, Narguess Abdipour

, Mohtasham Ghaffari ^*

Abstract: (77 Views)

Background and Objectives: A major factor in cervical cancer mortality in developing countries is the lack of screening. Identifying influencing factors is crucial for promoting screening behaviors. The present study was conducted with the aim of utilizing the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to determine the factors associated with cervical cancer screening.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 238 teachers from Eslamabad-e Gharb and Sarpol-e Zahab. Participants were recruited using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection was carried out using a researcher-made questionnaire based on the constructs of the EPPM. Its validity and reliability were assessed and confirmed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16, utilizing descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Participation in this study was voluntary and conducted with informed consent from all participants.

Results: The mean age and standard deviation of the participating teachers was 38.63 ± 6.67 years. Among them, 26.6% expressed an intention to regularly undergo Pap smear tests, and 44.3% reported having a history of Pap smear screening. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the combined constructs of perceived susceptibility (OR: 0.835, 95% CI: 0.732–0.953), perceived severity (OR: 0.844, 95% CI: 0.717–0.992), perceived response efficacy (OR: 1.359, 95% CI: 1.054–1.752), and perceived self-efficacy (OR: 1.330, 95% CI: 1.097–1.611) significantly explained 41% of the variance in women’s behavioral intention to undergo Pap smear testing. Additionally, the constructs of perceived susceptibility (OR: 0.715, 95% CI: 0.636–0.804) and perceived self-efficacy (OR: 1.504, 95% CI: 1.293–1.750) significantly predicted Pap smear screening behavior, explaining 43% of the variance. perceived self-efficacy was identified as the strongest predictor of Pap smear screening behavior among women.

Conclusion: The EPPM effectively predicts Pap smear screening behavior and can guide interventions to enhance cervical cancer screening.

Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Screening, Pap Smear, Extended Parallel Process Model, Women

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Health Education & Health Promotion
Received: 2025/02/22 | Accepted: 2025/07/13

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