The effects of stage-matched and stage-mismatched interventions on cervical cancer screening

Background: The study investigated the effects stage-matched and stage-mismatched interventions for women in the motivation phase (pros and cons) and volitional phase (cues to action).Additionally, we tested if matching the interventions to age-specific pros and cons would increase the effectiveness of behavior change interventions. Methods: A longitudinal experimental design study was used (6 experimental groups and 1 control group). Women (N = 1936) reported their behavior, beliefs and intentions to attend cervical cancer screening (CCS). Findings: Results indicated that the stage-matched and stage-mismatched interventions performed equally well in terms of their effects on intention and behavior. Similar effects of age-matched and age-mismatched interventions were obtained. Discussion: Brief interventions may have similar, small effects, ob intention and self-reported behaviors, regardless their stage-matching status.