EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF CERVICAL SCREENING TESTS AMONG MUSLIM WOMEN IN THAILAND

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effects of an educational program on knowledge and perception of cervical cancer screening test among 86 Muslim Thai women aged 35-45 years. A quasi-experimental study was selected for the participants who had never undergone Pap smear test until the study in 2021. The samples were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 43). The intervention was developed using the Health Belief Model constructs, and validated questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge and perception scores. Pre- and post-test intervention comparisons within and between groups were tested independent t-tests and paired sample t-tests, respectively. The results demonstrated a significant increase in knowledge and perception in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Specifically, the knowledge score was 33.56±1.31 in the intervention group, and 27.39±2.89 in the control group. Similarly, the perception score was 91.35±1.31 in the intervention group, and 72.21±20.74 in the control group. These findings suggest that this program significantly enhanced knowledge and perception among Muslim women in Thailand, potentially decreasing cervical cancer risks and improving primary care access. The researchers recommended healthcare providers to consider the unique background characteristics of different population groups when designing screening programs. Keywords: Cervical Cancer Screening, Educational Program, Health Belief Model, Muslim Women DOI： https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.5.3