KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES FOR PREVENTION OF STDS AND EARLY PREGNANCY IN ADOLESCENTS FROM A PUBLIC SCHOOL IN SALVADOR, BAHIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents in relation to Sexually Transmitted Diseases and adolescent pregnancy prevention. This study enrolled 164 students from a public school in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. An anonymous questionnaire was developed by the authors and used for data collection. Women comprised 59.5% of the study population and the average age  was 17 years old. Only 23% and 34% of the students indicated HBV and HTLV as STDs, respectively. HIV was identified as STD by 84.5% of the students, while 68.3% believed that the disease could be transmitted through blood donation. Only 64.6% of the students reported consistent condom use. Hormonal contraceptive methods were identified by students as a preventive method to STD. The students' knowledge about the theme of the study showed to be unsatisfactory. Attitudes and practices of students can contribute to greater exposure to STD.