Avaliação do conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de risco para hepatites virais entre graduandos da Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Abstract

Viral hepatitis continues to be a serious public health problem nationally and around the world. In recent years, an epidemiological improvement in cases of viral hepatitis in the country has been noted. Therefore, in this study, the suggestion is made that the increase in the number of university students has influenced this scenario and, consequently, it becomes important to analyze the real interference of this population in this context. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate indicators relating to knowledge, attitudes and risk practices regarding viral hepatitis among undergraduates at the Federal University of Sergipe-UFS. The Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey (PCAP) questionnaire was used, an instrument used and standardized by the Ministry of Health to study the reality of STIs in the country. Questions were addressed to characterize the social, demographic and educational level of the subjects and to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices related to viral hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections. The questionnaire was administered online, using the Google Docs tool. After applying and completing the investigative questionnaires, the data collected were tabulated in Microsoft Excel (2016). Statistical analysis was performed in a descriptive, relational and comparative manner using the chi-square test of equality (χ2). Regarding the results, very important data was highlighted, such as a percentage of 36.6% of affirmative responses to the transmission of viral hepatitis through the use of public bathrooms or 40% of students in the total sample who do not know that it is possible to become infected through sharing materials for drug use and high numbers of students who reported having had unprotected sex in the last 12 months with steady or casual partners. And, finally, a significant difference in the level of knowledge between students in health sciences and other areas of knowledge in all questions about the forms of transmission of viral hepatitis except one. In conclusion, it is noted that there is an important lack of knowledge regarding the forms of transmission of viral hepatitis and attitudes such as exposure to risk situations at significant levels with regard to not always using condoms in all sexual relations and for lastly, a lower risk of acquiring viral hepatitis for students in the health area due to the higher level of knowledge demonstrated by these students.