Prevalence of Cytological Abnormalities and the Conduct Recommended by the Ministry of Health

Cytological abnormalities and recommended procedures

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of cytological abnormalities and the specific initial procedures according to severity and age group recommended by the Ministry of Health. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study in the state of Goiás from January 2018 to September 2023. The relationship between cytopathological report and colposcopy/most serious alterations by age group was analyzed. The cytopathological results were divided into less severe alterations and more severe alterations. Results: Of the total of 738,681 tests, 94.54% were negative, with a higher prevalence in the age group ≤ 24 years; 1.24% were unsatisfactory, with a higher prevalence in the same age group; less serious alterations accounted for 2.67%, with a higher prevalence in young adults ≤ 24 years and alterations considered more serious accounted for 1.55%, with a higher prevalence between 35 < 39 years. Of the 12,074 more serious alterations, only 5,342 colposcopies were carried out, corresponding to 44.24%. Conclusion: It was found that less serious alterations were more prevalent in young women and more serious alterations in women of intermediate age. Furthermore, it appears that the initial measures taken in the event of a more serious alteration were not carried out as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.