RESUMEN
Papanicolaou test screening remains an effective approach for the control of cervical cancer. However, for successful control of the disease, patients need to have access to the test results and complete the treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with lack of access to results from the most recent Papanicolaou test in women living in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro who used the Brazilian Unified Health System. Overall prevalence of lack of access to test results was 18.4%. Access to test results was lower for younger women of Black race/skin color origin, those who had difficulties in making an appointment, those who received no information about when to pick up the test results, and those who evaluated the assistance provided by the health professional who collected the Papanicolaou test. Issues related to the organization and infrastructure of the health unit were the most frequently reported cause by the interviewees. The Brazilian Unified Health Service should improve its knowledge of users and service conditions to prevent interruption of the screening flow.