The Impact of Perceived Barriers on Self-Efficacy for HPV Preventive Behavior

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers found among women. Many studies have focused on factors associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) preventive behavior and early detection using models such as the health belief model (HBM). Despite a growing body of knowledge regarding HPV preventive behavior, few studies have examined how self-efficacy affects this behavior in foreign women living in South Korea. This study identified factors affecting the self-efficacy of foreign women living in South Korea and the impact on HPV preventive behavior. METHODS: A total of 171 participants consisting of international school parents who voluntarily participated in HPV preventive behavior were selected. A multivariate regression analysis included key variables such as demographics, cervical cancer knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and perceived barriers. RESULTS: Self-efficacy for HPV preventive behavior was significantly associated with perceived barriers. That is, women with lower perceived barriers were likely to have higher self-efficacy scores. However, demographics, cervical cancer knowledge, and perceived susceptibility did not show any association with self-efficacy. The final model was significant and accounted for 14.4% of the variance in self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study showed the importance of considering perceived barriers of HPV preventive behavior related to self-efficacy. However, different from HBM, modifying factors, such as knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and individual demographics were not related to self-efficacy. Based on these findings, future research should investigate self-efficacy and HPV preventive behavior among individuals who do not participate in HPV preventive behavior.