The study of Pap smear conduction and its related factors based on health belief model in women referred to health services center of Qom University of Medical Sciences during year 2020

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Pap smear is a test to diagnose cervical cancer in women. Up to 60% of deaths from cervical cancer have been identified by test. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of this test and its associated parameters among females visiting health centers in Qom. In this study, 320 women with health records who were referred to health centers in Qom in 2020 were chosen using a multistage random sample approach and inclusion and exclusion criteria. A robust and reliable researcher-made questionnaire with demographic variables, awareness questions and health belief model questions were developed. The data were finally analyzed by SPSS software with 0.05 significance level. Overall, %11.25 of the subjects regularly underwent Pap smear screening, %51.87 irregularly participated in cervical cancer screening programs, and %36.88 did not undergo. Cervical cancer was not seen as a serious condition by the participants. Even ladies who felt vulnerable attempted to conceal their feelings. As a result, while they had a low perception of susceptibility and the severity of disease risk, they had a higher perception of barriers, which led to a lower level of Pap smear use.