Adolescent students knowledge about transmition, prevention and risky behavior related to STD/HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate adolescents' knowledge, public school students in the city of Natal/RN, about transmission, prevention and risk behavior regarding STD/HIV/AIDS. Methods: Descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out from March to December 2013 with 222 students of a public school in the city of Natal, Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected from a semi-structured questionnaire answered in the classroom. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee in Research of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, CAAE: 13831113.6.0000.5537. Prior written consent was obtained from parents or caregivers and adolescents. The inclusion criteria consisted of the student being regularly enrolled in school, in high school, and agree to participate voluntarily in the research. Results: The study found significant levels of ignorance about transmission, prevention and treatment of AIDS, and elucidated some risk behaviors that make young people vulnerable to STD/AIDS. Conclusion: Sexual orientation programs in schools are needed to encourage adolescents for a safe sexual behavior, healthier and less exposed to risk.