The effect of educational intervention based on the stages of precaution adoption process model and health belief model on mammography screening behavior

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and mammography is a standard method for breast cancer screening. This study was conducted targeting of performing mammography through education based on the stages of the precaution adoption process model (PAPM) and health belief model (HBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this field trial study, 60 women over 40 years of age from Gonabad city were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The Persian version of Champion’s HBM Questionnaire and the researcher-made Questionnaire of PAPM were used. The questionnaires were completed before, immediately, and three months after the intervention. The training program was implemented in six sessions. RESULTS: The findings showed that before the intervention, the majority of women were in the undecided stage. However, three months after the educational intervention, a significant difference was observed between the stage of action in the intervention and control groups ( P < 0.001), so that three months after the educational intervention, 40% of women in the intervention group compared to 3.3% in the control group had performed a mammography. The mean scores of knowledges and all of constructs of HBM in the intervention group before and after the intervention were significant ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The educational intervention based on stages of PAPM and HBM was effective in promoting the behavior of mammography screening. These findings could inform health policy initiatives aimed at improving breast cancer screening practices, particularly in settings where educational interventions may help overcome barriers to screening.