Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on cervical cancer screening: nurses’ perception

Abstract Objective to understand the perception of primary care nurses about the repercussions of the pandemic on the performance of cervical cytopathological exam. Method qualitative, descriptive study, with data analyzed by Content Analysis. Twelve nurses working in primary care in Foz do Iguaçu, PR, between February and March of 2022, were interviewed. Results three thematic categories emerged that discussed the damages of the pandemic for cervical cancer screening; need to reorganize the service, highlighting the low adherence; and lack of strategies for the return of health practices. Conclusion and implications for practice in the pandemic, there was a suspension of preventive collection and after the critical period, the fear of contamination by women, lack of inputs and human resources made it difficult to resumption of service. It’s relevant for practice to develop actions and strategies that encourage the performance of the exam, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from this neoplasm.