Abstract
To estimate the prevalence of the Pap test and analyze the factors associated with its non-attendance by Brazilian women. Cross-sectional, population-based study in which were used Vigitel (Surveillance System for Protective and Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey ) data and were included women in the target age range of the screening. The coverage and prevalence of non-screening were assessed according to sociodemographic, behavioral and health characteristics. Data from 22,580 women were included. About 17.1% of women did not take the Pap test in the three previous years. Women in the age groups of 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years showed a higher prevalence of having the test compared to those aged 25-34 years (p<0.05). The following factors were associated with the non-attendance: women with less than 12 years of study (p<0.05), who declared not having a partner (p<0.0001), residents of Northeast, Midwest and North regions (p<0.05), malnourished (p=0.017), who self-assessed their health as negative and presented at least one negative health behavior (p<0.0001). Despite the high coverage of this screening, it remains unsatisfactory in population subgroups, such as women living without a partner, with low educational level, malnourished, who self-assessed their health status as negative, and with at least one negative health behavior.
Highlights
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide(1) and in the Brazilian female population(2)
This test is recommended for women aged between 25 and 64 years, who have or had an active sexual life, because this group has the highest incidence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer(5-6)
A lower educational level, having no partner and living in the Northeast, Midwest and North regions were associated with a higher prevalence of not undergoing the Pap test (Table 1)
Summary
Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide(1) and in the Brazilian female population(2). Prevention can be achieved through the vaccine and by adopting safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms in sexual intercourse(2-4). The colpocitopathological examination or Pap test(2-3,5-6) is the primary screening strategy for the diagnosis and detection of cancer precursor lesions, especially those caused by HPV. This test is recommended for women aged between 25 and 64 years, who have or had an active sexual life, because this group has the highest incidence of precursor lesions of cervical cancer(5-6). The interval between examinations should be three years after two consecutive negative annual exams(2-3). In cases of altered exams, the conduct will depend on the type of abnormal cytopathological diagnosis found(5)
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