predictors of pap smear screening behavior among rural women in tabriz, iran: an application of health belief model

Background: in order to increase the acceptance level of the cervical cancer screening behavior among women, understanding the associated factors of the behavior is necessary. objectives: the aim of this study was to evaluate the cognitive determinants of pap smear screening (pss) behaviors among rural women in tabriz, iran. methods: in this cross sectional study, multistage random sampling was employed to recruit 220 rural women in tabriz, iran. a valid and reliable health behavior model (hbm)-based instrument was completed by all the respondents. results: the odds ratio of perceived benefits in multivariable was 1.18 (1.08 - 1.27) i.e. with one unit increase in perceived benefits, odds cervical cancer screening behavior 18% increases, and age = 0.94 (0.91 - 0.98) i.e. with one unit increase in age, odds cervical cancer screening behavior 6% decreases were statistically significant. conclusions: the hbm was promising in determining the cognitive predictors of pss behavior. healthcare providers may specifically focus on perceived benefits and perceived barriers for designing pss promotion interventions.