Perception of Cervical Cancer Risk and Screening Behavior: A Literature Review

PURPOSE: This review examines women's risk perception of cervical cancer, the factors influencing this perception, and the relationship between risk perception of cervical cancer and screening behavior. METHODS: Integrative literature review method was used. FINDINGS: The search procedure resulted in the identification of 42 studies, including 1 literature review and 41 primary studies. Trends and discrepancies in the literature are presented with interpretations and recommendations. CONCLUSION: Existing theories of health behavior appear inadequate for understanding screening behavior, and further studies are recommended to enrich the knowledge base of nursing diagnoses in knowledge deficit and health-seeking behavior. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Efforts would be made to improve nurses' understanding of risk perception of cervical cancer within specific cultural context.