Knowledge and Adherence to Preventive Cervical Cancer Examination Among Women in the Municipality of Ananindeua – Pa, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate knowledge and adherence to the preventive examination for Cervical Cancer among women living in the city of Ananindeua – PA, as well as knowing the sociodemographic profile of the participants; identify women's knowledge about the preventive examination for Cervical Cancer, demonstrate the level of adherence to the preventive examination for Cervical Cancer among participants. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, analytical-observational study with a quantitative and qualitative approach linked to the CAP – Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey. The study was carried out in Place of Bible, located in Ananindeua. In this context, the study population was made up of all women who were at the research site and the sample was restricted to those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using a form, which was read to the participants and filled out by the researchers at the time of the interview. This form was divided into two parts. The first part contains 5 questions that verified the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants (place of residence, age, education, marital status, and number of children). The second part consisted of 12 questions relating to knowledge and adherence to the preventive examination for Cervical Cancer. The results of this study reflect the responses of 100 women living in the Municipality of Ananindeua – PA. Results: The characteristics of these participants demonstrate that the majority were women aged 18 to 29 years (n = 43); they are single (n =59) and have children (n = 63). Furthermore, it was possible to notice that many participants (n = 49) only use the public health service and the highest level of education among the participants is high school (n = 31). The results also showed that among the 100 interviewees, 92% stated that they had already heard about to preventive examination for Cervical Cancer (Q1). In terms of preventive examination for Cervical Cancer practice, 91% of women said they had taken the exam at least once (Q7), while 9% said they had not. Conclusion: Therefore, this study provides a solid basis for the implementation of targeted interventions, with the aim of improving understanding, access and adherence to the preventive examination for Cervical Cancer, with a potential positive impact on the health of women served by the local health system.