Examination Pap smears in women aged 20 to 59 years in Pelotas, RS: prevalence and factors associated with not performing

Objective: This study aims to determinate the prevalence and factors associated to women living in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, RS, who have undergone Pap smear within the 20- 59 age range. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December, 2003. 144 census tracts were sampled through a multiple-stage clustered method. Socio-demographic variables were investigated, as well as wommen s undergoing Pap smear exam. Results: Among 1404 women who are the polulation included in the prophylactic program of the cervix uterine cancer, 83% had Pap smear exam in the previous three years before the study. Variables statistically associated (p<0.05) to women not undergonig the exam in the previos three years were: ages range of 20- 29 years and 50-59 compared with 40-49 years-old women, lower schooling level, worst social level, mixed races and black skined, not seeing a gynecologist in the previous 12 months. Conclusions: Although this study presents a high coverage regarding women undergoing Pap smear exam, women that present higher risk factors for this kind of cancer had fewer exams. Compared to a previous similar study carried out in the same setting a decade ago, an increase in the number of women undergoing the exam has been verified, regardless the skin color, monthly family income and whether they are living with a partner or not.Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência e fatores associados a não realização de exame citopatológico do colo uterino em mulheres com idade entre 20 e 59 anos residentes na cidade de Pelotas, RS. Métodos: Entre outubro e dezembro de 2003 foi realizado um estudo transversal de base populacional. Através de amostragem por conglomerados foram sorteados 144 setores censitários em múltiplos estágios. Foram investigadas variáveis sociodemográficas e a realização de exame citopatológico do colo uterino. Resultados: Dentre as 1404 mulheres que constituem a população-alvo dos programas de prevenção do câncer do colo uterino, 83,0% realizaram o exame citopatológico do colo uterino nos três anos antecedentes a este estudo. Mostraram-se significativamente associadas (P