Cervical cancer screening behaviors among post-menopausal women

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer is known as a preventable cancer, which this concept has been proposed since cervical cancer screening protocols have been conducted in many countries. Regardless of this prominent advance, rate of cervical cancer screening in many societies is still low. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess post-menopausal women behavior regarding cervical cancer screening. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional population-based telephone survey, conducted among women in the post-menopausal period in Tabriz, Iran in November 2016. A structured questionnaire consisted of 4 sections, including sociodemographic information, family and past medical history, observed vulnerability to cancer, and other health-related insights, and utilization of cervical cancer screening was used. The main outcome of the study was having a cervical Pap smear test. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of all 2 586 included respondents, 1 098 (42.45%) individuals never had undergone Pap smear test. Also, 2 015 women (77.91%) had not been recommended by health professional staff to perform a Pap smear test so far. The mean age of the participants was 56.51 ± 12.87 years. Low age, marriage, high education, employment, not smoking, and not having a chronic disease were associated with high uptake rate among respondents. Conclusions: Demographic characteristics and misconceptions have an outstanding role in the commitment of people in cancer screening programs. These results can be used by authorities to modify behaviors toward cervical cancer screening programs.