Quality of Cervical Cancer Screening at a Family Health Unit in Salvador-BA

ABSTRACT Introduction Cytopathological examination is the main method for the screening of cervical cancer, its occurrence can be prevented or minimized through screening, with good coverage, quality of collection and analysis and women’s adherence to the examination. Objective To describe the quality of cytopathological exams performed at a family health unit in Salvador - Bahia during the years 2015 and 2016. Method A cross-sectional study, of an exploratory descriptive character, was conducted, using a database from a previous study carried out in a health unit in Salvador / BA and approved by the Ethical Committee from State University of Feira de Santana. Results Preventive gynecological exams of 1,350 women were analyzed, but 330 (24.4%) of them could not be evaluated due to the absence of the report in the health unit and the presence of acellular or hypocellular material that prevented the analysis. From 1020 exams, 45 (3.3%) presented an unsatisfactory sample, without conditions for analysis, while 589 (43.19%) showed only squamous cells. From 392 (29.0%) reports with an adequate study sample, 150 (%) were women with a mean age of 38.49 years. These were located and composed the final sample of the present investigation. Final Considerations We suggest the need for investments in continuing education for professionals involved in performing cytopathological exams, in order to ensure the right of women to comprehensive and quality health care.