Conhecimento, percepções e práticas relacionadas ao hiv/aids entre adolescentes da cidade de Vespasiano/MG

Abstract

Objective: Relate the knowledge about HIV/Aids to sexual behavior by adolescents adopted city of Vespasian, MG Methods: We used cross-sectional and representative random sample of 1,158 adolescents aged 14-19 years, enrolled in nine schools. The subjects completed questionnaires and structured self-executing. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, hypothesis test (qui-square, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Kendall and Fisher Exact Test). The difference was significant between age at first sex of boys (14.4 ± 1.8) and girls (15.1 ± 1.2), as well as the frequency of guys who have commenced sexual activity (60.1 % of boys and 40.5% of girls, respectively). Male adolescents showed greater adherence to condoms in the past six months. Education and socioeconomic status were not associated with age at first sex and condom use. Younger subjects (14 to 15 years) had greater adherence to condom the higher age (18 to 19 years). There was statistical association between condom use at first intercourse and increased frequency of use in the relations of the past six months. Knowing the sexual partner reduced the perception of risk related to STD/Aids. There wasn´t association between knowledge about HIV/Aids and condom use, multiple partners and perceived personal risk for infection. Conclusions: The knowledge did not influence safe sex practices. Although boys have first initiated sexual activity, girls had lower adherence to condoms. It is necessary to implement actions that consider the specifics of gender and work perceptions regarding sexual behavior in the first years of adolescence. In this scenario, the performance of health care is strategic, due to the possibility of listening qualified and individualized, thus allowing closer approach of the universe of beliefs and perceptions regarding sexual behavior. Closer to the minds of adolescents, to understand the particularities of gender and enter the professional health are strategic actions to reduce vulnerability to HIV / Aids in the population