Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-29T13:08:22.588Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Effects of a Videotape Intervention on Pap Smear Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 October 2014

Sian O'Brien
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle
Christina Lee*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle
*
Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308
Get access

Abstract

This study assessed the capacity of modelling videotapes to promote Pap smear screening. A total of 245 women watched videotapes modelling the process of Pap smear testing, and completed pre- and post-questionnaires which assessed knowledge and attitudes relating to Pap smears and cervical cancer. 186 also completed follow-up questionnaires five weeks later. Behavioural effects were strong. One third of those women identified as due for a Pap smear reported having had the test by follow-up. Initial levels of knowledge of Pap smears and of risk factors for cervical cancer were low, but increased significantly at post-test and follow-up. Health Belief Model variables, particularly perceived barriers, were associated with reported Pap smear behaviour, but a large proportion of the variance remained unexplained. The results suggest that modelling videotapes of this type, combined with appropriate encouragement and reassurance from medical practitioners, could significantly increase Pap smear rates and thus increase the detection and treatment of cervical cancer in its early stages.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 1990

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Ballard, K.D., & Glynn, T. (1986). Videotape modelling in behaviour therapy: An outline of principles and potential. Behaviour Change, 3, 1625.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Darling, J.R., Sherman, K.J., & Weiss, N.S. (1986). Risk factors for condyloma acuminatum in women. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 13, 16.Google Scholar
Duer, J.D. (1982). Prompting women to seek cervical cytology. Behavior Therapy, 13, 248253.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gissman, L. (1989). Linking HPV to cancer. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 32, 141147.Google Scholar
Hill, D., Gardner, G., & Rassaby, J. (1985). Factors predisposing women to take precautions against breast and cervical cancer. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 15, 5979.Google Scholar
Janz, N.K., & Becker, M.H., (1985). The Health Belief Model: A decade later. Health Education Quarterly, 11, 147.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Knopf, A. (1976). Changes in women's opinions about cancer. Social Science and Medicine, 10, 191195.Google Scholar
Koss, L.G. (1978). Dysplasia: A real concept or a misnomer? Obstetrics and Gynecology, 51, 374.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Krebs, H.B. (1989). Milestones in HPV research. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 32, 107111.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lee, C. (1989). Perceptions of immunity to disease in adult smokers. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12, 267277.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McMaster, C., & Lee, C. (in press). Factors related to cognitive dissonance in tobacco smokers. Addictive Behaviors.Google Scholar
Mitchell, H., Drake, M., & Medley, G. (1986). Prospective evaluation of risk of cervical cancer after cytological evidence of human papillomavirus infection. Lancet, 1, 573.Google Scholar
O'Dell, S.L. (1984). Using videotape to train behavioral skills. Behavior Therapist, 7, 149150.Google Scholar
Rando, R.F. (1988). Human papillomaviruses: implications for clinical medicine. Annals of Internal Medicine, 108, 628.Google Scholar
Romney, S., Gray, M., Little, A., Merrill, J., Quilligan, E., & Stander, R. (1975). Gynecology and obstetrics: The health care of women. NY: McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Rosenthal, T.L. (1976). Modeling therapies. In Hersen, M., Eisler, R.M., & Miller, P.M. (Eds.) Progress in behavior modification, Volume 2, pp. 5397. NY: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Rosenstock, I.M. (1974). The Health Belief Model and preventive health behaviour. Health Education Monographs, 2, 354386.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sansom, C.D., McInerney, J., Oliver, V., & Wakefield, J. (1975). Differential response to recall in a cervical screening programme. British Journal of Preventive and Social Medicine, 29, 4047.Google Scholar
Smotkin, D. (1989). Virology of human papillomavirus. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 32, 117126.Google Scholar
Stone, K.M. (1989). Epidemiological aspects of genital HPV infection. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 32, 112116.Google Scholar
Walker, J., & DiSala, P.J. (1989). Prevention of cervical cancer. Obstetrics/Gynecology Report, 1, 201202.Google Scholar