Factors associated with Pap smear for the prevention of cervical cancer in a low income urban community

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of prevention of cervical cancer and the factors associated with annual collection.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between August 2010 and June 2011 through interviews with 144 women 25-52 years old in a low income urban community in Fortaleza (CE). Were used the χ2 test and ANOVA comparing the groups never did collect, held annually and not those who made an annual basis. Variables with p values <0.20 were subjected to logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR).Results:The proportion of women who reported annual collection was 59.3%. Remunerated employment (p=0.04), and family income (p<0.01) showed significant association. In simple logistic regression, remunerated employment (OR=2.15), economic status (OR=3.32) and the having had the maximum of one pregnancy (OR=2.73) and, in multiple logistic regression, remunerated employment (OR=2.63) and the having had the maximum of one pregnancy (OR=2.60) were associated with annually periodicity for cervicovaginal smear.Conclusion:Women with remunerated employment and had no more than one pregnancy had a greater chance of achieving an annual frequency of cytology for preventing cervical cancer.