Cervical cytology coverage and associated factors in women over 15 years old: Locality of Kennedy, Bogotá D.C. 2005

Cobertura de citología cervicouterina y factores asociados en mujeres mayores de 15 años: Localidad de Kennedy, Bogotá D.C. 2005

More than three decades ago, programs for the prevention of cervical cancer have focused on the practice of cervical cytology. However, aspects such as low coverage and lack of access to reports among other factors have prevented changes in the epidemiological profile of this disease in Colombia. This study evaluates the coverage, the knowledge of the report, the reasons for carrying out the exam and the level of knowledge regarding the test and this pathology. An instrument was applied to a representative sample of 426 women over 15 years of age from Kennedy, Bogotá, D.C, randomly selected in their homes, through a cluster sampling. Results: a cytology coverage of 82.9% was identified in patients older than 15 years and 94% confidence interval (CI) 95%: 91% - 96.4% in women aged 25 to 69 years (subject population). 88% of the reasons why cytology had never been practiced were considered unnecessary, fear of it and shame. 61% consider that the frequency of taking cytology in a healthy woman should be annual and 35.4% every six months. Although coverage of 94% is ideal, this has not been reflected in a decrease in mortality according to DANE data. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and analyze other factors that may favor this situation, such as poor quality controls in the taking and reading of samples (the percentage of positivity was only 1.4%), limited access to reports, services of definitive diagnosis or treatment and follow-up to users with abnormal reports. Abbreviations: IC, confidence interval; INC, National Institute of Cancerology; SD, standard deviation; CCU, cervical cytology; HPV, human papilloma virus.

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