Influence of the pandemic by Coronavírus on the performance of the papanicolau exam in primary healthcare

Abstract

Objective: to assess the influence of the pandemic on preventive consultations in Women's Health, describing the perception of women in relation to the nursing care provided during the pandemic and evaluating the patient's return to search for the result. Method: qualitative and exploratory study that used Gil's principles. Between March and December 2020, 11 women aged between 18 and 23 years were interviewed, who answered questions regarding the Pap smear test performed during the pandemic and their experiences. Results: After the transcription and analysis of the interviews, four thematic categories appeared: reasons for performing the pap smear; on the performance of the pap smear during the pandemic; guidelines on covid-19 and the pap smear by the team during the pandemic; and guidance on the importance of the search for the result.  Conclusion: The interviews showed that women felt insecure about taking the exam and had difficulty in accessing health services during the pandemic. In addition to the need to strengthen health education actions aimed at the achievement, guidance and importance of the return to search for the result.