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.