Abstract
This survey research study was aimed at to examining the self-health-care behavior
of women in preventing cervical cancer among a target group of women in Tambol Nong Ya Sai, Amphur Nong Ya Sai, Suphan Buri. Applying the Health Belief Model Theory as
a guideline, the research had been performed during June and July 2007 using purposive
sampling on 251 target women aged 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 in the area under the responsibility
of Nong Ya Sai Hospital. The research workflow consisted of interviewing, data
collection and analyzing processes, using frequency distribution, percentage, means, standard
deviation, chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
The results indicated that 46.6 percent of the target group of women had an intermediate
level of knowledge about cervical cancer, 97.2 percent had an intermediate level
of acknowledging risk opportunities in having cervical cancer, 68.1 percent had an intermediate
level of acknowledging cervical cancer, 72.9 percent had a high level of acknowledging
the benefit of having a Pap smear test, 60.6 percent had a high level of self-care
behavior in preventing cervical cancer, 53.0 percent had a Pap smear test, while 10.7 percent
did not undergo that test. The research also informs that marriage status and knowledge
about cervical cancer have a significant relationship with self-care behavior in preventing
cervical cancer (p value ≤ 0.05).
Recommendation: Public health officials should provide knowledge about cervical
cancer to increase the number of target group women who have undergone a Pap smear
test, which will lead to good health.
