Despite of the ideal number of visits, the quality of care has been classified as intermediate or inadequate, besides that, precarious access to the orientation for the childbirth during the prenatal care has been evidenced.

To identify reasons for low adherence to the Papanicolaou test in women seeking care in primary health care. Methods: cross-sectional study. Data collection carried out during home visits, applying questionnaire to characterize sociodemographic aspects as well as the reasons for non-adherence to examination and suggestions for facilitating adherence. Results: among 169 women, 67% were of reproductive age and 73.9% have finished elementary school. The failure to previously scheduled examination was due mainly to the beliefs and attitudes (36.1%) and service organization (25.4%). The feelings reported by women during the Papanicolaou test were shame (55.6%), discomfort (32.5%) and pain (20.7%). Conclusion: Although the screening of cervical cancer is essential for timely intervention, a significant proportion of women still does not adhere to examination by myths and taboos, beliefs, and health attitudes, as well as service organization.