Conceptions of doctors and nurses about health education in sexually transmitted infections in adolescence.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the conceptions of family and community doctors and nurses about health education on sexually transmitted infections in adolescence.

Method: A descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted between August and November 2023 with family and community physicians and nurses from a municipality in the interior of Pernambuco, Brazil. Data collection involved a sociodemographic questionnaire and individual semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis technique.

Results: Sixteen health professionals participated. They recognized health education as a priority strategy in Primary Care, promoting quality of life, encouraging critical-reflective thinking, and empowering adolescents in decision-making. Schools were highlighted as the primary setting for these educational practices. A preference was also observed for dialogic dynamics using popular language, audiovisual presentations, humor, and playful resources.

Conclusion: Professionals recognize the importance of health education initiatives on STIs as fundamental strategies for promoting preventive behaviors among adolescents. However, factors such as family resistance, cultural taboos and insufficient resources still constitute obstacles to the implementation and scope of these practices in the daily routine of health services.