Users’ knowledge and practices about the pap smear in the family health strategy

Objective: to identify the knowledge and practices of users of a Family Health Unit about the Pap smear. Method: this is about a cross-sectional study, through a survey, with a sample of 101 women, aged between 25 and 59 years, users of the family health service. The collection of data was made through a structured multidimensional questionnaire. Given the ethical aspects of research involving human subjects, the study was approved (CAAE 1955.0.000.308-09) by the Ethics Committee of the Masters in Family Health at the Universidade Estácio de Sá. Results: observed that relationships between friends and relatives (38.0%) are the main sources of information on disease prevention practices. Furthermore, it was noticed that 96,0% of respondents are adequately knowledgeable on the real purpose of the procedure. Regarding the use of this service, it was found that about 90% of women used it in accordance with the practice recommended by the Ministério da Saúde. Conclusion: the family health service displayed a good cervical cancer screening uptake. However, it is estimated that there is a need to strengthen the educational processes with participatory techniques. Descriptors: uterine cervical neoplasm; family health; vaginal smears; health education; cervix neoplasms prevention.RESUMOObjetivo: identificar o conhecimento e as práticas de usuárias de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família frente ao exame de colpocitologia oncótica. Método: estudo transversal a partir de entrevistas, face a face, realizadas com uma amostra de 101 mulheres, com idade entre 25 e 59 anos, usuárias de um serviço de saúde da família. A coleta se deu por meio de um questionário estruturado e multidimensional. Atendendo aos aspectos éticos de pesquisas que envolvem os seres humanos, o estudo foi aprovado (CAAE 1955.0.000.308-09) pelo Comitê de Ética do Mestrado em Saúde da Família, da Universidade Estácio de Sá. Resultados: observou-se que as relações entre amigos e parentes (38,0%) são as principais fontes de informação sobre as práticas ...