Conhecimento e comportamento de um grupo de idosos frente às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis

Abstract

Objective: This work attempts to analyze and understand the knowledge level of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in a group of elderly people and their behavior regarding such diseases. Methods: A field research with quantitative delineation was performed with 59 seniors, participants in a community group in a municipality in Minas Gerais (MG),from July to October 2018. Results: The study has revealed that, although the aged know STIs and their ways of transmission. Among the STIs the most known by the interviewees is HIV / AIDS (64%). Most adopt risky behavior when not using condoms during sexual intercourse (76.3%), and 81.4% of them do not consider themselves vulnerable to acquire an STI, justifying this fact because they have a steady partner. A positive finding is the knowledge of the existence of the vaccine against hepatitis B (50,8%), identifying it as an immunopreventable disease, available even for its age group. Conclusion: The study shows the need for affirmative practices better suited to that public,in order to raise its awareness of the importance of protecting themselves in sexual relations.