A PERCEPÇÃO DAS MULHERES FRENTE AO EXAME DE PAPANICOLAOU: DA OBSERVAÇÃO AO ENTENDIMENTO

The uterine cervix cancer is the one that most affects women and each year the number of new cases increase. This study aimed to evaluate the perception of women about the Pap test. Data collection was developed using semi-structured interviews. There were 22 participants which were attended by the mobile unit of a municipality in Parana State. Data were analyzed through content analysis, and then some categories emerged: the superficiality of knowledge about the Pap test of the professional who performs the procedure; the appreciation and recognition of the nurse; and the importance of information for knowledge construction. According to the results of the study, the interviewed women have a superficial and equivocated understanding about the Papanicolaou test, and want to take the test because of its curative aspect rather than the preventive aspect; also, the nurse has a key role in creating a link of confidence between the user and the health professional, and that information is very important in the construction of knowledge.