The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Intent to Participate in Cervical Cancer Screening

Author

Ann Marie Trapp, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-6-2015

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Kristen L. Mauk

Abstract

Globally, cervical cancer ranks third among cancers affecting women (Arbyn et al., 2013). In the United States, approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and approximately 4,000 women die yearly (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Papanicolaou (Pap) screening is an effective means of detecting precancerous cell changes of the cervix with early cervical cancer diagnosis carrying a 91% five-year survival rate (Gonzalez et al., 2012). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to identify interventions that increase adherence to cervical cancer screening and to implement best practices to reduce unnecessary deaths related to late diagnoses of cervical cancer. Rogers’ (2003) Diffusion of Innovation and Pender’s (2011) Health Promotion Model guided this project. Multimodal community educational presentations were held monthly for three consecutive months at a health center in northern Indiana. Cervical cancer knowledge and intent for screening were compared through pre- and post- presentation questionnaires. Paired-samples t tests were calculated via SPSS to compare pre- and post- intervention total scores of knowledge and preand post- intervention scores of Pap screening intent. Mean scores of knowledge and Pap screening intent both increased however, the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of clinic patients with completed Pap smears remained relatively constant prior to, during, and after the educational intervention. The results of this DNP project indicated that among females ages 21-65 years, multi-modal educational presentations did not significantly impact cervical cancer knowledge, screening intentions, or Pap smear rates over a 3-month period as compared with the previous standard of care. However, participants reported a sense of unity within the group and an enlightened sense of purpose in sharing the importance of cervical cancer screening with other women. The diffusion of this message may have an impact beyond the statistics gathered during this project.

Recommended Citation

Trapp, Ann Marie, "The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge and Intent to Participate in Cervical Cancer Screening" (2015). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 77.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/77