Creencias sobre el cancer cervicouterino y Papanicolaou y su relación con la adherencia al tamizaje

Introduction and Objectives: Currently, cervical cancer's mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean are higher compared to other countries, despite being highly preventable. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between beliefs on CC and PAP test and adherence to screening in Chilean women. Material and method: This study was carried out in a probabilistic sample of 969 women aged between 25 and 64 years old, belonging to public health care system and enrolled in any of the four selected primary healthcare centers in Puente Alto, Santiago, Chile. Data collection was carried out between March 2014 and October 2015. Socio-demographic variables, adherence to screening and beliefs regarding CC and PAP test were measured. Results: Greater adherence to CC screening has a significant relationship with the feeling of well-being while taking care of one's health, the perception of fewer barriers to the test particularly in women who adhere in the private health care system, knowledge of radio or chemotherapy as a treatment for CC, the perception of the personal risk of developing the disease, knowing that symptoms are not a requirement for the test, and the motivation given by health care professionals or the mother. Conclusion: Adherence to screening is multifactorial and women's' beliefs should be considered for the success of an effective screening program.