The aim of this study was to analyze barriers to access to cervical cancer screening under the Family Health Program in Nova Iguacu, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Through a household survey, we interviewed 281 women 20 to 59 years of age. To assess barriers to the Pap smear, a Portuguese version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scale was used. Fear related to the test results (39.85%, 95%CI: 34.09-45.61) and the professional examiner (31.31%, 95%CI: 25.86-36.77), shame (39.85%, 95%CI: 34.09-45.61), and forgetting to schedule the test (32.02%, 95%CI: 26.53-37.51) were reported as the main barriers to access. Since the constraints varied according to the population's socio-demographic characteristics, organization of cervical cancer screening should be tailored accordingly.
Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Family Health; Health Services Accessibility
