Cervical cancer and STD health beliefs: predicting pelvic exam intentions in undergraduates.

Abstract

We surveyed 119 female undergraduates to investigate if the health belief model for both cervical cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) would predict pelvic examination intentions. Results for cervical cancer and STDs were similar, with barriers to obtaining an exam and perceived susceptibility contributing most consistently to intentions. Respondents rated themselves as more susceptible to cervical cancer than to STDs and rated STDs more serious than cancer. Discriminant analysis found sexual activity, barriers, susceptibility to STDs, benefits of a pelvic exam for cervical cancer, and age to reliably distinguish women who had gotten a pelvic exam from those who had not. Contrary to previous research, physique anxiety was a positive predictor of intentions when health beliefs were controlled, suggesting it may represent generalized body anxiety for some women.