Journal of Religion and Health

Determination of Breast Cancer Fatalism in Women and the Investigation of the Relationship Between Women's Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Beliefs with Religious Orientation and Fatalism

This study aims to determine breast cancer fatalism in women and investigate the relationship between women's cervical cancer and pap smear test health beliefs with religious orientation and fatalism. The study, which was conducted as a descriptive and relational screening one, was conducted in the eastern part of Turkey between July and August 2019. The study was conducted with 357 women who were not diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, and who were not pregnant. A positive, significant relationship was found between the Religious Orientation Scale total mean score and Health Motivation and Pap smear Benefit Perception sub-scale mean score. A positive, significant relationship was found between the Fatalism Tendency Scale total mean score and Sensitivity, Importance Perception, Pap smear Benefit Perception and Pap smear Barrier Perception sub-scale mean scores (p < .05). The participating women were found to have a low level of breast cancer fatalism. Religious Orientation and Fatalism Tendency were found to have affected the Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Beliefs. Similar studies are recommended to be conducted in larger groups and different regions.

An Investigation of the Effect of Education Interventions Given to Women in Turkey with Religious Orientation on Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Beliefs

This study aims to examine the effect of education interventions given to women with religious orientation on cervical cancer and Pap smear test health beliefs.The study used a quasi-experimental research design with the pre-test-post-test control group. It was conducted in Qur'an courses in a province in eastern Turkey between January and October 2023. The sample size was calculated using the Gpower computer program. The sample of the study constituted a total of 114 women, 38 women in each group. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Religious Orientation Scale, and the Cervical Cancer and Pap Smear Test Health Belief Model Scale. The average age of the participating women was 43.41 ± 8.63 years, and 95.6% of them thought that early diagnosis was important in cancer. The groups demonstrated differences in terms of the perceived severity, Pap smear perceived benefit, and Pap smear perceived barrier pre-test mean scores. Pap smear perceived barrier mean score was found to decrease statistically significantly after the education given in the health education group (p < 0.05). This study found that while health education decreased perceived barriers to pap smear tests, religious-based education was found to have no effects.

Exploring Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Prevention Behaviors: Unveiling Perspectives of Conservative Muslim American Women in Virginia

Understanding the complexities surrounding cervical cancer prevention methods and hesitancy among conservative Muslim American women is crucial in addressing health disparities. This qualitative study aimed to delve into the religious, behavioral, and socio-cultural factors influencing Muslim women's decisions regarding cervical cancer screening (CC-S) and HPV vaccination (HPV-V) in Virginia, USA. Through interviews with 10 Muslim women residing in Virginia, qualitative data were collected as part of a mixed-method cross-sectional study conducted between August and September 2021. Findings revealed that participants had limited knowledge about cervical cancer, CC-S, and HPV-V, with notable themes emerging, such as cultural influences, misconceptions, language barriers, and challenges posed by the intricate US healthcare system. Future research should focus on exploring these barriers to mitigate the impact of cervical cancer within the Muslim population.