DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING A RISK FACTORS ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR THE PAP TEST CYTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN IRAN: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

Pap test is a lifesaving tool which can detect atypical cellular changes before the cervical cancer develops. In developing countries just 5% of women are typically screened for cervical cancer by Pap test. So having a risk factor assessment tool for the Pap test cytological changes can be very helpful in order to approach an early diagnosis and treatment by physicians, midwives and the other health care givers in face with their clients. To develop a valid and reliable risk factors assessment tool for the Pap test cytological changes towards cervical cancer. This is a methodological study. In order to identify full content domain, items generation and creation of the initial tool draft, an extensive article study was conducted. Then, the validity and reliability of the research tool were confirmed. Results of this study led to develop a valid and reliable tool entitled: “Risk factors assessment tool for the Pap test cytological changes towards cervical cancer”. It has 50 items in three parts including demographic characteristic, health history and clinical manifestations. As the risk factors assessment tool for the Pap test cytological changes towards cervical cancer is valid and reliable, we strongly recommend applying this tool in facing with the patients in all clinics that are open to women about gynecological problems. It can help the professionals to have a suitable and quick action especially in those areas with limited access to the specialists. Keywords: Risk factor, Pap test, Assessment tool, Cytological changes, Iran.