Cervical Cancer Protective Behavioral Patterns Among Mexican Women Living With HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidence-based models addressing health for women who have HPV may prevent development of cervical cancer (CC). We applied Meleis’ transition model to identify barriers and facilitators influencing CC protective behavior for women with HPV. Descriptive, correlational design including nonprobabilistic sampling of women with HPV (N = 201) in Mexico. Variables linked to CC protective behavior (cervical cytology, stable partner, condom use, communication) included awareness of HPV/CC as well as attitude toward diagnosis and cytological control of HPV (λ = 890, F[196.00] = 6.057, p = .001). Acceptance of HPV diagnosis related to HPV carrier attitude, stigma, age, education, and length of HPV diagnosis (R2 = .155, F[5, 195] = 8.34, p < .05). Knowledge of HPV, attitude toward HPV diagnosis/cytological control, and age had direct effects on self-efficacy for CC protective behavior (R2 = .239, F[7, 193] = 9.95, p < .05). Coping with HPV diagnosis, self-efficacy for CC protective behavior, and age were also associated with CC protective behavior (R2 = 14.6, F[3.7] = 12.39, p = .001). Identification of factors inhibiting or facilitating transition among women who have HPV decrease progression to CC by increasing CC protective behaviors