Investigation of participation in cervical cancer screening at primary health care centers according to the precautionary acceptance process model

Cervical cancer; with its incidence, economic burden during treatment, and the deaths it causes among women, is a public health issue that concerns not only women specifically but also the entire society in general, both globally and in our country. At the same time, due to the prolonged process of carcinogenesis, the presence of effective screening tests enabling early detection, and the high chances of successful treatment, it stands apart from other types of cancer. Despite the cervical cancer screening program in our country, a coverage rate of 70% has not yet been achieved. The aim of this study is to examine participation in cervical cancer screening in primary care settings according to the Precaution Adoption Process Model. This, cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of a total of 389 women at the Istanbul Bahcelievler 3rd Family Health Center between 23.08.2023 and 03.05.2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire prepared by the researcher in line with the literature, the HPV and Cervical Cancer Awareness Form, and the Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Health Belief Model Scale. The study group consisted of women with a mean age of 39.77±9.78 (range: 19-66) years, of whom 89.7% were married, 36.3% were university graduates, 66.8% had an equal distribution of income and expenditure, had an average of 1.93 (range: 0-8) childbirths, and 96.1% had spent the last five years with a single sexual partner. The mean scores for participants' cervical cancer and HPV knowledge were found to be 3.67±4.16 (range: 0.0-15.00). The non-participation rate in screening was significantly higher among university graduates (p<0.05). It was observed that the knowledge levels of the participants were inadequate, with knowledge levels increasing as age decreased and education level increased, yet the participation rate in screening and the level of the Precaution Adoption Process Model stage decreased. The Precaution Adoption Process Model stage increased significantly with the age of the woman, being married, not having undergone gynecological treatment, being in menopause, and participating in screening (p<0.05). The findings of the study indicate the need for more emphasis on education and counseling services provided by healthcare professionals and the need to inform women about cervical cancer and screening programs. It is believed that with increased awareness, women can take control of their health and turn it into a health behavior.