Author:

• Carla Vitola Gonçalves - Gonçalves, C.V. - Pelotas, Rio grande do Sul - Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - <carlavg@brturbo.com.br>

Thematic Area:

Não Categorizado

Abstract:

Abstract: Pregnancy represents an excellent opportunity for the prevention of cervical carcinoma since gynecological examination is part of routine prenatal care. In practice, however, this opportunity does not seem to be fully explored. To describe the characteristics associated with the lack of cytology and to evaluate cytology coverage at the beginning and at the end of the prenatal period. Transverse studies with a total of 445 puerperae were interviewed using standardized questionnaires. The prevalence of an up-to-date cytopathological exam was 38.9% at the beginning of pregnancy, reaching 59.1% during the puerperium (p>0.001). Puerperae aged 19 years or less, non-white, with schooling of less than 11 years, family income of less than one minimum wage, sexarche at 15 years or less, with the beginning of prenatal care after the 1nd trimester, and receiving prenatal care at health stations of the Unified Health System had a lower prevalence of cytopathological examination. Adjusted analysis revealed that the variables under study were not significantly associated with cytopathological coverage, although the site of prenatal care .showed a prevalence ratio of 1.18 (95%CI: 0.98-1.42). The local health service proved to be poorly effective and unequal, revealing the need to increase cytopathological coverage and qualify health professionals regarding the importance of routine prenatal procedures since this may be the only contact a woman of reproductive age will have with a health service in Brazil. Key-words: Prenatal care, cervix neoplasm prevention, quality assurance health care, health inequalities.

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