Table 3 Differences in Theory of Planned Behaviour variables related to Pap testing, and stigma and shame variables, by level of sexual experience

Behavioural attitudes

1) Pap testing is helpful for early detection of cervical cancer

3.27 ± 0.55

3.38 ± 0.62

3.34 (0.068)

2) Pap testing is effective for curing cervical cancer

3.13 ± 0.53

3.17 ± 0.65

0.57 (0.452)

3) Pap testing is helpful for health management

3.20 ± 0.53

3.25 ± 0.62

0.68 (0.411)

4) Pap testing makes me confident about my health status

3.15 ± 0.55

3.17 ± 0.63

0.09 (0.766)

5) Pap testing is reliable for diagnosing cervical cancer

3.11 ± 0.55

3.19 ± 0.61

2.19 (0.140)

Subtotal

15.86 ± 2.13

16.16 ± 2.60

1.65 (0.199)

Subjective norms

1) Family and friends think Pap testing is necessary for detecting cervical cancer

3.09 ± 0.70

3.15 ± 0.75

0.68 (0.412)

2) Family and friends think Pap testing is necessary for detecting cervical cancer for me

2.56 ± 0.93

2.58 ± 0.84

0.05 (0.830)

3) I take notice of the opinions of family and friends

2.94 ± 0.67

2.76 ± 0.73

6.56 (0.011)

Subtotal

8.59 ± 1.81

8.47 ± 1.84

0.40 (0.528)

Perceived behavioural control

1) I am reluctant to be examined by a male doctor

3.32 ± 0.70

3.17 ± 0.81

3.86 (0.05)

2) I am uncomfortable asking what I want to know

2.67 ± 0.73

2.49 ± 0.88

5.00 (00.26)

3) I do not find it easy to speak honestly about sexual matters

2.76 ± 0.72

2.68 ± 0.85

0.96 (0.328)

4) I do not have time to visit a clinic for an examination

2.57 ± 0.76

2.51 ± 0.77

0.65 (0.419)

5) I am worried about the cost of the examination

3.04 ± 0.75

3.27 ± 0.71

8.48 (0.004)

6) I live far from clinics and health centers

2.35 ± 0.84

2.28 ± 0.82

0.56 (0.455)

Subtotal

16.71 ± 2.80

16.40 ± 2.82

1.13 (0.288)

Behavioural intentions to undergo Pap testing

1) I can undergo a Pap test even without a recommendation

2.59 ± 0.71

2.70 ± 0.70

2.11 (0.147)

2) I can undergo a Pap test even without abnormal signs

2.67 ± 0.68

2.83 ± 0.66

5.01 (0.026)

3) I can undergo a Pap test according to my own will

2.76 ± 0.65

2.89 ± 0.68

3.42 (0.065)

4) I can undergo a Pap test regularly

2.50 ± 0.70

2.58 ± 0.74

1.13 (0.288)

Subtotal

10.57 ± 2.39

11.03 ± 2.45

3.18 (0.075)

Stigma: If I get gynaecological examination:

1) People would avoid me

1.51 ± 0.58

1.45 ± 0.60

0.90 (0.344)

2) People would think I was unclean

1.48 ± 0.60

1.48 ± 0.60

0.02 (0.893)

3) People would think badly of me

1.49 ± 0.61

1.47 ± 0.60

0.12 (0.727)

4) People would not want to be friends with me

1.47 ± 0.60

1.40 ± 0.54

1.36 (0.243)

5) people would be disgusted by me

1.43 ± 0.59

1.41 ± 0.57

0.07 (0.794)

6) People would be uncomfortable around me

1.44 ± 0.61

1.41 ± 0.60

0.23 (0.631)

Subtotal

8.82 ± 3.42

8.61 ± 3.26

0.34 (0.557)

Shame: If I get a gynaecological examination:

1) I would feel ashamed

1.59 ± 0.71

1.72 ± 0.84

2.85 (0.091)

2) I would feel embarrassed

1.77 ± 0.84

1.85 ± 0.86

0.78 (0.379)

3) I would feel guilty

1.44 ± 0.62

1.62 ± 0.77

6.65 (0.010)

4) I would feel scared

1.44 ± 0.58

1.53 ± 0.67

2.21 (0.138)

5) I would feel disappointed in myself

1.46 ± 0.61

1.57 ± 0.70

2.64 (0.104)

Subtotal

7.70 ± 3.01

8.29 ± 3.41

3.30 (0.070)