Cervical Cytological Examination: Perceptions of Women Attended in Primary Health Care

Objectives: To assess the perception of women about prevention of cervical cancer, as well as to identify the factors that influence the adhesion to the exam and to describe the role of the nurse in gynecologic consultation from the perspective of the patients. Methods: Qualitative study, carried out in October and November 2015, with 22 women attended in a primary health care unit located in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, by means of semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: Three categories were identified: Meanings assigned to cervical cytological examination and adhesion to the exam; Barriers to taking periodic examination for prevention of cervical cancer; Role of the nurse in the prevention of cervical cancer. Conclusion: Health professionals working in primary health care, especially nurses, must know the cultural context in which women are included, as well as understand the meanings that they attribute to the cervical exam, so they can adopt effective interventions to improve the access to preventive examination and, consequently, reduce mortality rates related to this cancer.