Increasing mammography and cervical cancer knowledge and screening behaviors with an educational program.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of using an educational program based on self-efficacy to increase knowledge and create behavior change regarding recommended mammography and Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening guidelines.


METHODS
Pretest and post-test, prospective.


METHODS
An urban county in northern Indiana.


METHODS
56 women who attended one of four educational programs and 47 women who responded 15 months later.


METHODS
The one-hour educational programs based on self-efficacy included vicarious experiences and verbal persuasion regarding breast and cervical screening practices. Two programs were offered to local church groups as part of a health fair, and two were offered through health promotion initiatives sponsored by private businesses.


METHODS
Demographics, knowledge of breast and cervical cancer, and screening behaviors.


RESULTS
Knowledge of risk and screening guidelines increased significantly immediately following the educational program (p < 0.001) and did not decrease significantly 15 months later (p = 0.57). Family history and history of human papillomavirus and sexually transmitted diseases were the top known risk factors for breast and cervical cancers, respectively. Participant-reported rates of screening behaviors increased 15 months later for mammography (100%) and Pap test (84%).


CONCLUSIONS
Educational interventions based on self-efficacy increased knowledge of breast and cervical health and helped increase the rate of mammography and Pap tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Preparing women with strategies to complete a mammogram and Pap test is an important approach to enhancing self-efficacy and increasing screening behaviors.
Valparaiso University, Indiana, USA. terry.kessler@valpo.edu
Theresa A
TA
Kessler
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult