“I feel like invaded”: Experiences with the paper screening and nursing care

Abstract

Objective: to understand experiences and meanings attributed by women to the Pap smear and nursing care. Methods: a retrospective study with a qualitative approach carried out between October and November 2019 in Primary Health Care in Fortaleza, Ceará. 24 women were interviewed, with the inclusion criteria being 18 years of age or older, users of the Primary Health Care Unit for at least one year and who had previously performed prevention with the nurse. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and their contents were analyzed in categories. Results: based on the data, it was possible to notice that the women were between 20 and 66 years old, from elementary to graduate school. They took the exam a year ago. They sought him for disease prevention and complaints. They did not know the relationship with the prevention of cervical cancer. They highlighted the invasion of the body by examination. They reported anxiety, no clarification, bonding difficulties, comfort and security. For them, Nursing does not have the competence to carry out the exam. Conclusion: the study enabled the knowledge of the reasons and feelings about the exam. Evaluative studies are recommended in Primary Care that produce evidence needed to improve the management of care for women.