Authors

1Carmen Mejías Paneque, 2Laura Cuendes Romero

Position

¹Matrona y Licenciada en Antropología. Hospital La Merced, Osuna (Sevilla).²Matrona y fisioterapeuta, Hospital La Merced, Osuna (Sevilla).

Contact address

Carmen Mejías Paneque. C/ Olimpo, 29, Portal 7, Dúplex B. 41927 Mairena del Aljarafe (Sevilla).

Contact email: maikacir@hotmail.com

Abstract

Objective: to determine women’s knowledge about the usefulness of cytology (smear test) as an essential tool for early detection of cervical cancer, as well as about HPV infection and vaccination.
Method: transversal descriptive observational study, conducted from October, 2012 to March, 2013, on the female population of the Osuna Health District. The sample size was estimated in 60 women, randomly selected when they attended their appointments, and according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted through a self-prepared anonymous questionnaire.
Results: a 10% of the sample reports never having undergone a cytology test, 30% considers that it should not be conducted during pregnancy because it causes miscarriage, 11% considers that HPV can be transmitted in the toilet seat, and 23% is not aware of the existence of the vaccine.
Conclusions: there is still lack of information among the female population under our care regarding the importance of gynaecological cytology as a measure of early detection for cervical cancer, and regarding the HPV vaccination as a preventive measure. We must improve healthcare education for the overall population.

Keywords:

Cytology Test; Human Papilloma Virus; opportunistic screening; cervical cancer; female healthprevention

Versión en Español

Título:

Conocimientos de la población femenina sobre la utilidad de la citología y la vacuna para el virus del papiloma humano (VPH)