Systematic review of the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention education interventions

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant public health issue, with approximately 3800 new cases and 800 deaths reported in Korea in 2022. Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, is the primary cause of the disease. Despite the proven effectiveness of Pap tests and HPV vaccination, participation in screening programs remains low. This review evaluates the impact of educational interventions on knowledge, attitudes, and screening behaviors related to cervical cancer. Methods: A systematic review were conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane and Korean sources were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, with the majority being RCTs (93.7%). Educational interventions significantly improved participants’ knowledge, attitudes and perceived susceptibility. Pap smear uptake increased from 17.2% to 44.1%. Multimodal approaches, including digital health strategies, demonstrated greater effectiveness. Conclusions: Educational interventions enhance cervical cancer prevention; however, personalized support and digital strategies are necessary to achieve sustained behavioral change. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and inform policy integration. The PROSPERO Registration: CRD420251032287.

Cervical cancer prevention; HPV vaccination; Pap smear; Health education; Screening behaviors; Systematic review; Meta-analysis

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