CYTOPATHOLOGICAL COLLECTION: KNOWLEDGE OF WOMEN FROM THE KAROLINAS ASSOCIATION

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the public health issues with the highest rates of prevention, primarily through the Pap smear test, which identifies abnormal cells in the cervix. This test is the main method for detecting CC and its precursors. The objective of this research was to investigate the knowledge of women from the As Karolinas association in Exu, Pernambuco, regarding the prevention of CC and the collection of cytopathological exams. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach conducted during the months of August, September, and October 2024. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire containing 13 questions. The results were analyzed through the organization and categorization of the database into tables and spreadsheets, and subsequently analyzed by the researcher in relation to the theoretical framework developed. Sixteen women participated, with an average age of 34.5 years, who stated that they were aware of the preventive examination but do not associate its importance beyond the diagnosis of CC. It was found that 18.75% had never undergone the preventive examination. Only 50% undergo the exam regularly, and the main reasons for not doing so include embarrassment (66.67%), fear (33.33%), and discomfort (33.33%). Despite this, 81.25% returned to health services to seek results, with 46.15% consulting a doctor and 38.46% a nurse. However, 15.38% of participants did not present the results to a healthcare professional, which can compromise appropriate follow-up. Therefore, although the majority of participants recognize the importance of the CC preventive examination, adherence to the test is hindered by barriers such as fear, shame, and lack of adequate information.