Fatores associados à não adesão ao exame citopatológico e estratégias do enfermeiro para ampliar a adesão ao rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero

Cervical cancer represents an important public health problem and is mainly associated with persistent infection by high-risk oncogenic,human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite the existence of prevention and screening strategies, barriers persist that hinder women’s participation in early detection activities. In this context, nurses play a strategic role in Primary Health Care, working in health education, patient reception, performing procedures, conducting active outreach, and monitoring users. The present study aims to identify the main factors associated with women’s nonadherence to cytopathological examination and to analyze nursing strategies capable of increasing adherence to cervical cancer screening. Available evidence indicates that non-adherence is multifactorial, involving sociodemographic, economic, cultural, emotional, and health-service-related factors. The main strategies include health education, humanized care, active outreach, increased flexibility in access to services, professional training, and longitudinal follow-up of women. It is concluded that increasing adherence requires coordinated actions among healthcare professionals, health services, and the community, with emphasis on the role of nurses in reducing barriers to access and strengthening the relationship between women and Primary Health Care.