Primary care: women's health indicators in the state of Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

Background

The northern Brazil has the highest rates of incidence and mortality from cervical cancer (CC), a 100% curable pathology if diagnosed early.

Objective

This study aims at a temporo-spatial analysis of the adherence to the screening test for CC and the number of pregnant women monitored by health agents at home, in the state of Tocantins.

Method

Data searched on the DATASUS platform covering a 15-year period (2001 to 2015) and organized on Excel spreadsheets. The spatial assessment was performed through geoprocessing tools, such as the Quantum GIS program, to generate thematic maps.

Results

The results revealed that despite the CC prevention programs, women's adherence to the exam is still far below the expected for the state. In turn, most municipalities registered averages above expectations concerning pregnant women monitoring.

Conclusion

The study indicates the need to adopt new measures to improve the adherence to the CC preventive exam since educational campaigns have not been effective enough. Pregnant women monitoring should be assessed in terms of quality and not just of quantity to provide better guidance and care.

Keywords:
primary health care; uterine cervical neoplasms; geoprocessing; house calls