Conhecimento e atitudes de adolescentes escolares relacionados às doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e gravidez

Abstract

Characterized by intense growth, development, accentuated anatomical, physiological, psychological and social transformation, adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. In this time the corporeality takes an important aspect, because these changes occur very fast, in a deep and intense manner, bringing changes in the adolescent's life when the lack of information about sexuality contribute to the vulnerability of adolescents in sexually transmitted diseases and to early or unwanted pregnancy. Qualitative study, with the objective of investigate the knowledge and practices of adolescent related to STD / AIDS and pregnancy, and know the understanding of the school's role in sex education. The sample consisted of 22 adolescents, aged between 16 and 19, high school students of the University College of the Federal University of Maranhão, a public school in São Luis - MA. We used a form for identification and an interview script with guiding questions related to knowledge and practices about HIV / AIDS and sex education in schools. The interviews were recorded and analyzed using content analysis technique. The results are presented in four thematic categories: Sexuality and sex education; Understanding of risk behaviors; STD / AIDS knowledge; Knowledge and Prevention Practices.The study showed that teens recognize that school participation is important, emphasizing that the speeches are fundamental to the guidance. Sexuality was understood as sexual behavior and a way of feeling pleasure. Risk behavior was associated with the number of partners and anything that could cause health risks. Sexually transmitted diseases were referred to as diseases acquired by the sexual act and knowledge related to the prevention of STDs and pregnancy was mainly associated with the use of condoms.