title: [Pap smear screening: sensations reported by nursing professionals when submitted to this test].
abstract: This work sought to record the impressions of nursing assistants and technicians after submitting to Pap smear screening. This is a descriptive study using a qualitative approach conducted in September and October of 2006 with 35 employees of a public institution, which is a benchmark in gynecology in Fortaleza in the State of Ceará (Brazil). The data was collected through semi-structured interviews containing a recorded leading question and analyzed according to the methodological-theoretical reference of social phenomenology. The testimonials were separated in three groups: an exam that causes discomfort, fear and shame; an exam that causes anxiety about the results; and an exam that "makes me calm and relaxed". Despite the interviewees being part of an institution that cares for the prevention of cervical-uterine cancer in women, negative feelings about the Pap smear test were nonetheless reported. The conclusion reached is that it is important to stage educational campaigns emphasizing the importance of empowerment of patients in order to minimize these aspects.
authors.affiliation: Grupo Saúde da Mulher, Universidade de Fortaleza. Rua Caubi 798, Barra do Ceará. 60331-100 Fortaleza CE. robertajeane@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Roberta Jeane Bezerra
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Jorge
authors.forename: Maria Albertina Rocha
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Diógenes
authors.forename: Francisco Antonio da Cruz
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Mendonça
authors.forename: Luís Rafael Leite
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jorge Júnior
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001938:Brazil; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult