IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN ASSISTED BY A FAMILY HEALTH TEAM IN CUIABá, MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for cervical neoplasia in women residing in the area covered by the Family Healthcare Strategy of Altos da Serra I, in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The population of this descriptive study consisted of 19 women who had abnormal results of Pap smears from October 2007 to September 2009. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire applied at the participants’ residences after they provided informed consent. Nine respondents (47.4%) began sexual activity from 10 to 15 years of age, 11 (57.9%) did not use condoms routinely, 11 (58%) had had more than one unprotected sexual intercourse, 6 (31.6%) were 15 to 17 years of age at first pregnancy. Early beginning of sexual activity and absence of condom use were the most prevalent situations found among the participants. The results indicate the need to address aspects related to sexuality through health education approaches designed for adolescents, in order to reduce the occurrence of the situations revealed by the study.