title: Effects of an educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory and implementation intentions on first and second pap test practice in Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few Iranian women take the Papanicolaou test despite its important role in preventing cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the protection motivation theory (PMT) variables and implementation intentions in the first and second Pap test practice among Iranian women.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this quasi-randomized controlled trial, 200 women who were referred to 30 primary health care clinics in Tehran were randomly selected. PMT variables and Pap test practice were measured at baseline and again after 3 and 15 months. The 4-week educational intervention program was conducted for the intervention group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Following the intervention, the mean scores of self-efficacy, perceived vulnerability, and behavior intention variables were significantly higher in the intervention group when compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the perceived severity, response efficacy, response cost, and fear between the two groups following the intervention. Higher percent of women in the intervention group had obtained first and second Pap test compared to the controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The PMT and implementation intentions provide a suitable theory-based framework for developing educational interventions regarding Pap test practice in Iran.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail : l-hassani@razi.tums.ac.ir.
authors.forename: Tahereh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dehdari
authors.forename: Laleh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hassani
authors.forename: Ebrahim
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hajizadeh
authors.forename: Davoud
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shojaeizadeh
authors.forename: Saharnaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nedjat
authors.forename: Mehrandokht
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Abedini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D055088:Early Detection of Cancer / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007492:Iran; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D065006:Papanicolaou Test / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D020377:Self Efficacy; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*