EFFECTIVENESS OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS IN EXPANDING CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING COVERAGE: INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objective: To identify the effectiveness of educational interventions in expanding cervical cancer screening coverage among eligible women. Methodology: Integrative review (PRISMA) conducted in BVS/LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases (2016–2026), selecting 18 global original studies, predominantly clinical and experimental trials.Results: Strategies mapped included digital technologies (5), patient navigation (4), community educators (4), professional training (3), and HPV self-sampling (2). Multifaceted, culturally adapted interventions combining education with practical access were highly effective, increasing adherence by over 14% in large populations and exceeding 90% in vulnerable groups. Passive communications and unstructured active searches showed limited impact. Discussion: Increasing knowledge alone is insufficient; efficacy requires overcoming sociocultural and psychological barriers (fear/anxiety) through patient navigation and local welcoming. With HPV molecular testing entering the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), integrating active strategies and self-collection is urgent. Conclusion: Isolated interventions have limited effects. To expand coverage equitably within SUS, actions must be continuous, integrated with navigation, and technologically innovative, consolidating the strategic role of nursing in Primary Care.