Factors Associated With Non-Adherence to Pap Smear Testing

The present study aimed to analyze the factors associated with non-adherence to cervical cancer screening. An integrative literature review was conducted, and articles retrieved from the secondary databases Virtual Health Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Online System for Searching and Analyzing Medical Literature were analyzed using the keywords Pap smear test; primary health care; and basic care. The main factors identified are individual factors: fear, embarrassment, pain, discomfort, lack of knowledge about the exam; sociodemographic factors: low education, low income, race/color, multiparity; and service-related factors: difficulty of access (schedules, transportation), poor infrastructure, lack of supplies, delays in delivering results, and weak connection with the healthcare professional. The analysis of factors associated with non-adherence to cervical cancer screening (Pap smear) revealed a complex intersection of barriers that need to be addressed in order to increase coverage rates and, consequently, reduce morbidity and mortality from this neoplasm

Cancer · Cervical cancer · Cervical cancer screening · Health care · Health Information National Trends Survey · Latin Americans · MEDLINE · Primary health care · Cervical Cancer and HPV Research · Global Cancer Incidence and Screening · Women's cancer prevention and management