Development of an Instrument based on the Protection Motivation Theory to Measure Factors Influencing Women’s Intention to First

Cervical cancer is the second prevalent malignant cancer among women in the world (Parkin & Bray, 2006). The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear is essential for early detection and timely treatment of cervical cancer, and reducing the progress of the disease and its mortality in women (Blackman et al., 1999). Annual Pap smear is recommended for sexually active females (Fink, 1988). Despite the advantages of the Pap smear, there are many women who have never had a Pap smear or have never received it at regular intervals (Kim et al., 1999). In Iran, only 27.1% of the women 18 years and older have reported receiving at least one Pap smear in their life (RezaieChamani et al, 2012). This rate is low as compared to other Asian countries such as Philippine, China, Japan, Vietnam, India, and Korea (Lu et al., 2012). The intention of an individual to perform any behavior is the most important determinant of the behavior (Rimer