ACCESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF QUILOMBOLA WOMEN ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING

Abstract

Introduction: The main form of prevention of cervical cancer is the periodic performance of the Pap smear, however many women in vulnerable situations, especially quilombolas, do not undergo it due to difficulties in accessing health services. Objective: To analyze the knowledge and access of quilombola women assisted by the Comprehensive Women's Health Care Policy on the preventive examination for cervical cancer, in the municipality of Vargem Alta, in the interior of Espírito Santo. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out with the quilombola women through a semi-structured questionnaire. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis of the results was performed.  Results: The mean age was 45 years. Most women are married (n=19, 61.29%), have a low level of education, income of up to one minimum wage (n=27; 87.09%) and the Unified Health System is the preferred way to seek health services (n=29; n=93.54). Low knowledge and provision of guidance on cervical cancer was identified. The main difficulty encountered in performing the test was the distance from the Basic Health Unit (n=27; 87.09%). Final considerations: It was possible to identify that the main barrier that hinders the access of these women to the preventive exam is the distance from the health unit. Thus, it is essential to propose public policies that promote equity of access and education on this topic.