THE PERCEPTION OF USERS IN A BASIC HEALTH UNIT ABOUT THE CYTOPATHOLOGICAL EXAM

Abstract

Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with oncogenic types of Humam Papillomavirus (HPV). To achieve a significant reduction in the incidence and mortality by the virus, it is fundamental to increase the coverage of cervical cytology screening being routinely performed in women between 25-64 years of age. Comprehend the perception of female patients at the Basic Health Unit in the town of Itapema/ SC about the pap test in the prevention of cervical cancer. Descriptive and exploratory study, with a qualitative approach. Data was collected at the Basic Health Unit, in the town of Itapema/SC. 15 women between 25 to 64 years old were interviewed from August to September 2021, by structured and individual interviews.After analyzing the data, two different main categories became evident: The strengths regarding pap test, and the weaknesses regarding the pap test. From these two categories, we obtained four subcategories: knowledge and benefits about the pap test; accessibility of the service; pap test frequency; lack of campaigns about the pap test. This study allowed an understanding of the perception of women about the cytopathological exam, revealing that the women interviewed know the purpose and importance of carrying out the test in the prevention of cervical cancer, as well as in the detection of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and other diseases.