Studying the effect of education on women's pap-smear knowledge, attitudes, and behavior

Background Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial factors in the treatment and control of cervical cancer. The present study investigates the relationship between demographic characteristics and the effect of education on the knowledge, attitude, and performance of women who were referred to Varamin health centers and underwent Pop-smear tests. Methods This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2021 on 311 women who were selected by a convenience sampling method. Data were collected from the samples from August 15, 2021, to March 15, 2021. First, the level of their knowledge, attitude, and performance was evaluated by a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability have been confirmed. Then, the women were given the necessary education regarding the Pop-smear test. After one, the questionnaire was given to them again. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA, and paired t-test. Results Based on the results of one-way analysis of variance, before the education, the level of knowledge and performance increased with increasing age. However, after education, with increasing age, the subjects’ level of knowledge decreased and their performance increased. Conclusions It is necessary to provide comprehensive education for women about the Pop-smear test. Educating young, illiterate, or low-educated women, women without financial resources, and unemployed women, women without children, single, or divorced women, and people without underlying diseases should be prioritized.