Conhecimento e prática das mulheres atendidas na unidade de saúde da família sobre o Papanicolaou

Abstract

This study aims at describing the knowledge and practice on the Pap smear tests by women between 25 and 59 years assisted at the Family Health Strategy. This is a cross-sectional study. Forty-seven (47) women residing within the area serviced by the Health Unit Family Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lord of Bonfim, Bahia, Brazil were interviewed at home on the basis of application of forms, from August to September, 2012. Data were analyzed on the basis of descriptive statistics. Results show that there are still women who do not receive regular Pap and are mostly unaware of the purpose of the procedure. Conclusions show that women need clarification about the exam and its goal, requiring permanent structure of educational activities in health facilities to sensitize women about the importance of regular Pap smears.