Effects of web-based training on risk factors for and prevention of cervical cancer on pap smear-screening behaviors

Aim: The aim of the study conducted with female teachers was to investigate the effects of web-based education on risk factors for and prevention of cervical cancer on Pap smear-screening behaviors. Material and Method: The population of the study, which was carried out as a longitudinal study with experimental control group, included 2563 female teachers working in 176 schools in the 2017, the sample of the study consisted of 1290 teachers (experiment: 678, control: 612). The teachers in the experimental group watched a training video about cervical cancer and Pap smear test via web based education. After three months of watching the training videos, they were reached by using cell phones in both groups, and they were asked about the having and result of Pap smear test, the reasons for not having the test. After the study was completed, a qualitative interview was conducted with 20 teachers in the experimental group in order to evaluate web-based education. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the age, marital status, body mass index, smoking and alcohol use of the teachers in the experimental and control groups. 52.1% of the teachers in the experimental group and 46.7% of the teachers in the control group stated that they did not have a Pap smear test in the last three years. Three months after data collection, Pap smear test was found to be statistically significant higher in the experimental group (31.6%, n=121) than the control group (23.2%, n=79). According to result of pathology, cervical cancer (1.3%) was determined in the control group, a teacher had CIN 1 (0.8%) a teacher (0.8%) had HPV 53 in the experimental group. 60.0% of the teachers in the experimental group were very satisfied with web-based education. Conclusion: In comparison with the control group, the experimental group got the Pap smear test done more after three months later the training. Web-based education was found to be effective on the behavior of Pap smear in teachers.