[Evaluation of the "Early detection and opportune attention of cervicouterine cancer" program].

OBJECTIVE: To measure the results of early detection and a timely approach to cervical cancer in the three Health Networks of the Costa Rican Public Health System.

DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

LOCATION: Primary health areas and hospitals of the Public Health System.

PARTICIPANTS: The 639,229 Papanicolaou smears performed in the period 2004-2005 were examined and a representative sample of 7,342 abnormal cytology and 7,729 colposcopies in 2005.

MEASUREMENTS: Adjusted Papanicolaou cover index and referral times of the abnormal cytology and the diagnostic confirmation, by applying the Care Guidelines for Women with Abnormal Cervical Cytology.

RESULTS: Around 42% of the primary care areas have Papanicolaou smear rate significantly lower than the national average. The primary care areas refer abnormal cytology for diagnostic confirmation in 97% of cases. The Calderon Guardia Health Area is the health service with the best performance in the management of appointments for diagnostic confirmation, whereas the San Juan de Dios service has most delays in making referrals.

CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve the results of the program, cover must be increased in younger women and an appointment management plan set up to perform a colposcopy as soon as possible.