Conhecimento, atitudes e práticas para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis em jovens de um município do Nordeste Brasileiro

Abstract

Introduction: The epidemic of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continues to be a serious public health problem throughout the world. Inadequate knowledge, attitudes and practices (CAP) of the population in relation to health contribute to the persistence of endemic diseases, at the same time that, when correct, they become indispensable for the effective implementation of disease control measures. Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices (CAP) about STIs in young people in the municipality of Umbaúba, Sergipe. Materials and method: Materials and methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study with an analytical approach. The research was carried out with 170 young adults aged 15 to 27 living in the municipality of Umbaúba/SE. The PCAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Survey) structured questionnaire on HIV and others and STIs was used and questions for the social and demographic characterization of the subjects were addressed using the REDCap software (Research Electronic Data Capture). Data analysis was carried out using Excel programs and using the R programming environment (version 4.3.2) (R CORE TEAM, 2023). A rapid test was carried out to detect the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C infections. Among the 69 participants in the rapid test, 01 tested positive for HIV and Syphilis (1.44%). Results: The study included 170 participants, the majority of respondents identified as female (60.36%), followed by male (39.05%) and intersex (0.59%). Regarding sexual orientation, heterosexuality predominated (76.92%), while 9.47% identified themselves as bisexual, 3.55% as homosexual, and 8.28% preferred not to answer. Regarding gender identity, 51.48% were cis women, 31.36% cis men, and 15.38% preferred not to answer. The average age was 16.17 years (SD = 1.29), with a median of 16 years and interquartile range [15, 17]. Regarding skin color, 62.72% declared themselves mixed race, 21.30% black, and 9.47% white. Regarding marital status, the majority reported being single (84.62%), while 7.10% lived with a partner and only 1.78% were married. Attitude (p = 0.024) and practice (p = 0.002) scores showed statistically significant differences between the sexes. Attitude was significantly associated with gender identity (p = 0.006). Attitude was significantly associated with marital status (p = 0.048). Single participants had significantly higher median attitude scores (0.62). Conclusion: The present study allowed us to understand the knowledge, attitudes and risk practices for STIs in adolescents and young people, in which the attitude had greater statistical significance. The results can support the formulation of public policies for the planning and development of effective actions to combat HIV/AIDS and other STIs in the state of Sergipe.