Análise qualitativa do conhecimento acerca do vírus papiloma humano entre agentes comunitários de Maringá-PR

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the training of Community Health Agents (Agentes Comunitários de Saúde - ACS) in relation to HPV and its consequences in health, as well as their knowledge about cervical cancer screening, its symptoms, causes, risk and transmission factors, prevention and treatment, prevalence, testing and vaccination. Methods: This is a qualitative exploratory study, carried out with the ACS of two Basic Health Units in the city of Maringá (PR), between August 2019 and October 2020. A questionnaire was applied, divided into 3 areas, covering general knowledge about HPV, vaccination and tests. Results: It was found that the ACS have a level of information considered "unsatisfactory" in the areas of general 5 knowledge about HPV and vaccination, with greater deficiency in the vaccine field, and a level of information considered "satisfactory" in relation to testing. When analyzed in general, the knowledge of the professionals was classified as "satisfactory". Conclusion: Despite the results obtained, the participants did not understand several basic questions about HPV, thus showing a level of information below expectations. This work reflects the need to carry out a more comprehensive study in order to characterize the legitimate scenario of the Basic Health Units in Maringá.