The importance of social representations in adherence to pap smear

Resumo

Introduction: It is important to understand the reasons that may interfere with the decision of women to perform the prevention of cervical cancer. These reasons may be linked to taboos, cultural values, knowledge, beliefs and their own sexuality.

Objective: Aim to know the factors that influence the accession of women seen in the basic health unit Costa e Silva/SSC/GHC to the test preventive uterine cervical cancer (CP), identifying their knowledge and beliefs.

Methodology or experience description: Descriptive cross-sectional observational study with qualitative and quantitative approach. The subjects were 561 women who were without CP record and received the intervention of Program Women`s Health in 2011 and 2012. The instrument was composed by semistructured interview, diary and field observation.

Results: The intervention had a positive result of 19% in the first year and 14% in the second year. In relation to knowledge, attitudes and practices, the participants reported having easy access and knowledge about uterine cervical cancer and CP. The main barriers to the exam were negligence, creation, shame and laziness.

Conclusions or Hypothesis: The health professionals should take into account the history of women during the performance of Pap smears. Highlights the importance of interventions in order to obtain positive results, considering the beliefs and culture of the population worked.