Abstract
Objective: Describe the reasons for not having the Pap smear and the risk behavior in sexually active women. Methods: This is a descriptive-exploratory study with a quantitative approach, carried out with 100 women assisted by NASF in a city in the interior of Paraíba. Data collection took place between August and October 2019, through the application of a questionnaire and analyzed according to the relevant literature associated with a descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Most women are young, in a stable relationship with a family income below the minimum wage. They started sexual activity before the age of 18, with a steady partner. The reason for not performing the cytological examination was shame. 84% have heard of HPV and 83% know the form of transmission. Most have 1 to 2 sexual partners and perform the exam annually. Conclusion: Despite national strategies to increase the coverage of the exam, there are still difficulties related to the exam, such as shame and fear, influencing the low coverage at the national level.