A percepção da mulher sobre o seu corpo e sobre o exame citopatológico

Abstract

Knowledge of the body is a challenge for women who were little encouraged to self-knowledge, as well as the lack of information about the Pap smear. Thus, this research aims to analyze the perception of women about their body and about the Pap smear. This is a qualitative, descriptive study, case study type. Eleven women who attended the health unit of a city in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul were interviewed for the Pap smear, between April and June 2021. Information was collected through a sociodemographic questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The sample consisted of 11 women, obtaining data saturation. The method used in the analysis of the interviews was content analysis. The study revealed a lack of knowledge about the Pap smear test, making it difficult for women to access the correct period to perform the test and embarrassment in the procedure. It showed the lack of knowledge about female genitalia, due to historical and cultural factors, making it necessary to search for information. This result points to the need for health professionals to develop educational activities with women, in order to guide them about the examination and the female body.