The Effect of Cervical Cancer Education Given to Women in Turkey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Health Beliefs: A Randomized Controlled Study

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of cervical cancer education provided to women in Turkey on their knowledge, attitudes, and health beliefs. Design The study was conducted in accordance with the pretest–posttest randomized controlled trial model. Sample The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or the control groups. The study was completed with a total of 105 women, 51 of whom were in the experimental group and 54 of whom were in the control group. Measurements The personal information form, the human papillomavirus (HPV) knowledge scale, and the health belief model scale for cervical cancer and Pap smear test were employed as data collection instruments. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 package program, and the number, percentage, independent samples t ‐test, and paired t ‐test were utilized for data analysis. Results Upon completion of the training program, the mean scores of the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge related to general HPV information, HPV screening tests, general HPV vaccines, and HPV vaccine programs when compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). Upon conclusion of the educational intervention, it was determined that the mean scores of cervical cancer sensitivity, caring, health motivation, Pap smear utility, and motivation of women in the experimental group exhibited an increase, while their general perception of Pap smear demonstrated a decrease ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that educational initiatives targeting women regarding cervical cancer have a beneficial impact on their knowledge, attitudes, and health beliefs. Trial Registration NCT05990270 registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ .