Epidemiology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: The Papanicolaou preventive exam is the main strategy used in Brazil for the screening of cervical cancer. It is estimated that cervical cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in the Brazilian female population due to cancer. The purpose of this study is to identify the knowledge of the women attended in a health center about the preventive examination Papanicolau. Methodology: A study descriptive, quantitative approach. The study was conducted in a Health Center that serves the population in the municipality of Teresina-Piauí-Brazil. 327 women participated in the study. Findings: In the analysis of the 327 participants, 111 were aged between 18 and 27 (33.9%), 133 were single (40.7%), 79 (24.2%) had completed high school, 242 (74%) had children and 100 (30.6%) were students. Regarding the purpose of the preventive exam, 189 (57.8%) of the participants had knowledge about the subject, 161 (49.2%) highlighted as a function of the examination the verification of lesions in the cervix and 212 (64.8%) emphasized that the examination is (38.5%) reported that the examination is performed for the first time after menarche and 150 (45.9%) repeated once per year. Regarding the measures to be taken before the examination, 149 (45.6%) stated that they should not be menstruating. Regarding the performance of the exam and limiting aspects, 129 (39.4%) revealed that the examination was performed for the first time in a health clinic, 121 (37%) did not respond to the number of tests, 172 of which were motivated by the importance of and 115 (35.2%) stated that women were not carelessly cared for. Conclusion: The women participating in this study have significant knowledge regarding the Pap smear. Recent Publications: 1. Albuquerque ZBP et al (2012). Women with atypia, precursor and invasive lesions of the cervix: Conduct according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Health Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. However, 34: 248-253 2. Araújo CS, Luz HA, Ribeiro GT (2011). Preventive examination of Papanicolau: perception of the nursing academics of a university center of the interior of Goiás. Revista Mineira de Enfermagem. Minas Gerais, 15: 378-385 3. Brazil. Ministry of Health (2004). Department of Information Technology of the Unified Health System. SUS Outpatient Information System (SIA-SUS). Brasília: Ministry of Health 4. Santos RAM. et al (2015). Cancer of the cervix: Knowledge and behavior of women for prevention. Brazilian Journal of Health Promotion, Fortaleza. 28: 1-8 5. Silva AMS. et al (2016). Epidemiological profile of cervical cancer in Paraíba. Themes in Health. João Pessoa, 16.

Biography

Cristina Maria Miranda de Sousa has a Law Degree from the Federal University of Piauí (1988), PhD in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte UFRN. Reitor of the University Center UNINOVAFAPI, Teresina-PI. Post Doctoral Student at USP / EERP, Professor of the Professional Master's Program in Family Health at UNINOVAFAPI.

E-mail: cristinamiranda@uninovafapi.edu.br