The Effect of Face-to-Face and Phone Call Motivational Interviewing on Cervical Cancer Screening

Having regular screening tests largely depends on motivational factors. Motivational interviewing (MI) facilitates the movement through the stages of the transtheoretical model of change.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of face-to-face and phone call MI on cervical cancer screening.

This experimental study was conducted on 150 eligible women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The women were assigned into 3 groups (face-to-face MI, phone MI, or control) using blocked randomization. The face-to-face MI group participated in 3 weekly group counseling sessions, and the motivational phone call group received 3 weekly phone calls. The participants completed the demographic and obstetric questionnaire and stages of change checklist. Adherence to Pap smear was checked, according to the health profile, 6 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. Chi-square, homogeneity test, and sequential logistic regression by the generalized estimating equations were used.

After the intervention, about 32% women from the face-to-face MI group, 22% from the motivational phone call group, and 4% from the control group underwent Pap smear screening ( P = .002). There was no significant difference between the 2 interventional groups in Pap smear frequency ( P = .36).

The study results indicated that both face-to-face and phone call MI are effective in motivating women to have a Pap smear. Further studies are recommended to consider long-term follow-up (3-5 years).

It is recommended that healthcare providers use motivational phone call to encourage cancer screening behaviors.