Prevalence of Adherence to Screening for Cervical Cancer in a Sample of Portuguese Women

Introduction: Cervical cancer, in its initial phase, is asymptomatic. Its main cause is a virus and adherence to screening is particularly important in the adoption of health behaviors. It requires, of women, an attitude of active involvement and is influenced by belief in the likelihood of the disease occur and the perceived benefits of its realization. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of adherence to screening for cervical cancer in a sample of women.

Subjects and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 306 women (38.2 +/- 9.3 years) treated at health centers in Viseu, in family planning services in the period between February and April 2011. Women were invited to participate in the study by answering a self applied and completed during the waiting period for their appointments.

 Results: Prevalence of adherence to screening was 78.4%. Professionally active women have better adherence to screening (79% vs. 21.0%). 92.8% know the existence of a vaccine for the prevention of which 63.7% believe that its administration  may be made ​​before initiating sexual activity and 21.9% think that can be administered at any age. Regarding health beliefs, women aged between 46 and 64 have greater belief in the severity of the disease. The women's beliefs influence adherence to screening. In a stepwise regression model we found that the overall grade of health belief is responsible for 100% of the variance in adherence to screening for cervical cancer.

Conclusion: Health beliefs influence adherence to screening for cervical cancer. This variable should be considered in planning targeted interventions to promote sexual and reproductive health of women.