Unveiling knowledge and practices of Brazilian community health agents on uterine cancer

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the knowledge and practices of Brazilian community health agents on the prevention of uterine cancer. Method: convergent assistance research, with a qualitative approach. Thirteen community health workers participated in the interview stage. The analysis of the information was based on the Bardin content analysis. Results: there was recognition of the importance of cytopathological examination for the prevention of cancer and doubt about the recommended interval for the examination. We also identified a gap related to the promotion of educational lectures as an incentive to the oncology cytology. Conclusion: the knowledge of the community agents presented diversities involving the scientific base and the empirical knowledge and they use a suitable and comprehensible language. It was highlighted the need for training of professionals to promote the prevention of this type of cancer.