<b>Positive diagnosis for human papilomavirus - HPV: women’s perception</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v7i1.4913

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying women's knowledge concerning HPV as well as at understanding the meaning that they attribute to a positive diagnosis. It is a qualitative study, and the theoretical framework for analysis was that of the collective subject discourse. It was carried out at the Teaching Healthcare Unit (CSE) of the Botucatu School of Medicine - UNESP, with a population of 25 women aged 25 to 53 years old. Data were collected by interviews containing guiding questions after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. The core ideas in the discourse showed the representation of feelings of disappointment and concern about the cure, which indicated the need for HPV treatment, the fear of continuing having a sexual relationship, the need to take care of oneself and to be optimistic in order to face the disease and the perception of a cervical cancer threat. In view of such representations, differentiated performance by healthcare professionals is necessary in the permanent search for strategies aimed at women's awareness development as regards the necessary care for a safe sexual life. A performance which includes involvement, availability to listen to patients about their intimacy, privacy and right to knowing and talking about the disease and their health is required.