SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE INFECTIONS IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF ADOLESCENTS IN PRE-PUBERTY

Abstract

A qualitative study was carried out with a group of pre-pubescent adolescents between 10 and 11 years old in order to verify their knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and to identify the means that they use to obtain information about the subject. Data was obtained through workshops and analysed using the content analysis method and organised according to categorical type. The following categories were used: STI concept; known STI; transmission, prevention, and treatment; information sources; doubts about STI. It was concluded that it is necessary to improve the knowledge and self-criticism of educational actions related to sexuality, addressing this conceptual theme before STIs. Despite the age, the participants demonstrated to have information about STI. The principal means of communication used to obtain information on the subject were: the internet, television, parents, teachers, and schoolmates. We concluded that the pre-pubescent adolescent group is most favourably placed to receive the initiation of primary interventions concerning sexuality and STI.