Health belief model and its association with cervical cancer screening among Malaysian women

• Published in: Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development
• Main Author: Siraj F.; Radzijohari M.; Bakar N.A.A.; Sahazudin F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Medico-Legal Publications 2019
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85073997088&doi=10.5958%2f0976-5506.2019.01738.8&partnerID=40&md5=d7f7a31cb0894de4f4ccd7cc10c6f368

In Malaysia, the most common cancer that suffered by women is cervical cancer. The rate of death among the patients are mostly can be prevented since there are many screening test offered for early diagnosis. This study aims to explore about the association of cervical cancer among the Malaysian and Health Belief Model (HBM). The study also investigates demographic factors associated with cervical cancer screening and HBM constructs. A set of questionnaires containing the demographics of the respondents and THREE constructs of HBM including Perceived Risk, Perceived Severity and Perceived Benefits were distributed among the Malaysian women in the selected hospitals. The study indicates that the most likely age structure that has undertaken Pap Smear Test are those whose age is more than 60 years old, women from Indian race, they are the smallest group receiving a pap smear test and also the smallest group that do not know the importance of being screened. In addition, Malay women are the second less group to receive Pap smear test compared to Chinese women. In terms of individual income and educational background, the women under these two aspects are less likely to report screening. Although limited in terms of scope, the information from this study has provided insight into the association between demographics, Perceived Risk, Perceived Severity as well as Perceived Benefits with regard to cervical cancer screening. For those who are interested with the intervention project to enhance the participation of this cancer screening this kind of information will be very useful. © 2019, Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved.