Prevenção do câncer do colo do útero: quem realiza?

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Brazilian estimates show that coverage of the Pap smear has increased over the years due to the consolidation of SUS and the Family Health strategy. Nevertheless, studies show less coverage among women with higher social vulnerability. This fact demonstrates a greater need to understand the reasons behind the high incidence rates of cervical cancer and its mortality. OBJECTIVES: To analyze factors associated with whether or not performing the cervical cancer screening test. METODOLOGY: Action research with quantitative and descriptive approach regarding data collection, analysis and description. Data were collected by applying a questionnaire with socioeconomic questions and questions about pap smears in public places through convenience sampling. For analysis, data were submitted to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 21.0. Descriptive statistics of the data and cross tabulation were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 201 women participated in the survey. The average age of the women who participated in the survey was 35.55, the maximum age was 79 years and minimum 18 years. Most of the women interviewed are ethnically brown (41%), have completed high school (33.5%) and work in formal employment (42.2%). Regarding pregnancies, predominantly null-pregnant women (35%), nulliparous women (37.1%) and no abortions (78.2%). There were a higher number of single women (53.1%), Catholic (38.8%), urban dwellers (99%). Most women answered that they do not use any method (49.3%). Most of them also have no family history of cervical cancer (74.1%). Regarding the Pap smear, 89.1% reported having already performed the exam, 34.8% within six months to one year. When asked what reason they are looking for gynecological care, 77.7% responded for routine medical examinations (such as pap smears) and 4.1% of women said they had never consulted a gynecologist. CONCLUSION: The study achieved its objectives by analyzing factors associated with the completion or not of the cervical cancer screening test. They seek a gynecological consultation to perform routine exams (such as Pap smears) and have no difficulty going to a health facility. Therefore, these characteristics can be pointed out as factors associated with the cervical cancer screening test.