Cervical cytopathology screening coverage in primary care in a municipality in southwestern Bahia

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the coverage of cervical cytopathology screening within Primary Health Care (PHC). It is a quantitative, descriptive study based on the analysis of secondary data from the Health Information System for Primary Care (SISAB) covering a specific period, involving the calculation and interpretation of the indicator in accordance with the guidelines of the *Previne Brasil* program. The results showed a progressive increase in coverage over the analyzed period; however, the percentages remained below the program's agreed-upon target (40%)—ranging from 16% to 26%—and far from the 80% benchmark recommended as ideal for significantly reducing the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. The analysis suggests that weaknesses in the organization of screening activities, women's access to services, active outreach to the target population, and the quality of information system records hinder both the effectiveness of the interventions and the accurate measurement of coverage. It is concluded that, despite regulatory and institutional advances, strengthening cervical cytopathology screening coverage in PHC requires improving work processes, expanding equitable access, ensuring longitudinal follow-up for women, and making strategic use of health information to enhance care management and cervical cancer prevention.