The Effect of Face-to-Face and Phone Call Motivational Interviewing on Cervical Cancer Screening

Abstract

Background: Having regular screening tests largely depends on motivational factors. Motivational interviewing (MI) facilitates the movement through the stages of the transtheoretical model of change.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of face-to-face and phone call MI on cervical cancer screening.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 150 eligible women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The women were assigned into 3 groups (face-to-face MI, phone MI, or control) using blocked randomization. The face-to-face MI group participated in 3 weekly group counseling sessions, and the motivational phone call group received 3 weekly phone calls. The participants completed the demographic and obstetric questionnaire and stages of change checklist. Adherence to Pap smear was checked, according to the health profile, 6 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. Chi-square, homogeneity test, and sequential logistic regression by the generalized estimating equations were used.

Results: After the intervention, about 32% women from the face-to-face MI group, 22% from the motivational phone call group, and 4% from the control group underwent Pap smear screening ( P = .002). There was no significant difference between the 2 interventional groups in Pap smear frequency ( P = .36).

Conclusion: The study results indicated that both face-to-face and phone call MI are effective in motivating women to have a Pap smear. Further studies are recommended to consider long-term follow-up (3-5 years).

Implications for practice: It is recommended that healthcare providers use motivational phone call to encourage cancer screening behaviors.