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Prostitutes' knowledge, attitude and practice concerning the papanicolaou test

Prostitutes' sexual relations with multiple partners and failure to use condoms compromise their sexual and reproductive health. This study aimed to identify behavioral risk factors associated with cervical cancer among prostitutes in Picos in the state of Piauí (PI) and to evaluate these women's knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to the Papanicolaou test. This study is exploratory and descriptive and was undertaken with 77 women in their workplaces in September - October 2010. Risks were observed linked to sexual and reproductive health which can lead to cervical cancer. Their knowledge is inadequate, but the attitude is appropriate, as nearly all (97.4%) asserted that they would undertake the Papanicolaou test with greater frequency. It is therefore necessary for the nurses to engage in the formulation of educational strategies which may minimize the knowledge deficit of the population studied in relation to the Papanicolaou test.

Prostitution; Health knowledge; attitudes; practice; Uterine cervical neoplasms


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