Papanicolaou screening in Taiwan: perceived barriers and self-efficacy

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of death in Taiwan, and frequency of screening remains low. We surveyed Taiwanese women about beliefs and practices related to cervical screening, searching for perceived barriers and self-efficacy using the transtheoretical model. We assessed demographics, 12 perceived barriers, and seven self-efficacy measures for 222 Taiwanese women. Data were analyzed descriptively and with multiple linear regression. Barriers related to worry, embarrassment, stigma, and the lack of female physicians were significant in the relapse stage. All self-efficacy measures were significant across various stages of change. Interventions should focus on relapsers and on information related to self-efficacy.