Knowledge and behavior changes in women with risk factors for cervical cancer

The objective was to identify the risk factors for cervical cancer; verify the knowledge about these and the changes adopted from the knowledge of risk factors. A cross-sectional field study carried out from May to August 2007, with 390 women who underwent preventive exam. The risk factors found were: age, casual partners, low economic class and educational level, not performing preventive exam, low weight, smoking, use of hormonal contraceptive, and sexual and reproductive factors. 239 (61.3%) reported at least one risk factor. The changes adopted from the knowledge of risk factors were: realization of preventive exam and treatment prescribed; and safer sexual behavior (monogamy, condom use)