Introduction:

the cervical cancer is one of the most studied and well-known tumoral processes in which the pap smear is the main screening test used to obtain an accurate diagnostic.

Objective:

To describe the cognition, attitude and performance regarding Pap Smear scrap on students of an undergraduate program at a university in Manizales-Colombia

Methods:

Quantitative, descriptive and prospective study, whose sample was composed by 683 students. The instrument used as a measuring device has some questions about certain socio-demographic variables and some others related to the information; attitudes and performances students have regarding Pap Smear scrap.

Outcomes:

There is evidence of a significant number of students between 20-24 years old having a Pap smear scrap. The outcomes showed that the students with more information about this kind of tests were those who were doing studies in the field of health. A high average of positive attitude regarding this test was observed; nevertheless, there was a minor performance of the test strongly related to the information and attitudes shown by some students.

Conclusions:

there is evidence of a general information about the pap smear test and of a favorable attitude on acquiring new knowledge about it. Nevertheless, it is relevant that the nursing program at the university proposes more targeted actions in order to allow an improvement in the consciousness and in a periodical practice of this test considered as a strategy of promotion of health.

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