Knowledge of Primary Care users about Sexually Transmitted Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2026.15800Keywords:
Knowledge, Prevention, HIV infection, Single health system, Quality of lifeAbstract
Objective: To describe the knowledge of primary health care users regarding modes of transmission and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and condom use. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Basic Health Unit (BHU) in a quilombola community in the interior of Bahia. Data collection took place between October 2023 and March 2024, using a questionnaire validated by the Ministry of Health, including sociodemographic information and data on modes of STI/HIV transmission. The questionnaire was administered to 165 individuals aged 20–59 years, registered at the BHU. Data were organized using Microsoft® Excel, which calculated absolute and relative frequencies. Results: There was a predominance of women (85.45%), Black race/color (82.42%), individuals aged 20 to 29 years (36.97%), married participants (61.21%), and those with completed high school education (47.27%). Most participants were unemployed and had access to consumer goods such as telephone/mobile phone, refrigerator, and television. Regarding knowledge about hepatitis B, C, and D, there was a balance between correct and incorrect answers, with approximately 50% demonstrating knowledge. Concerning HIV/ Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), most responses were correct; however, 66.06% of participants believe that the risk of virus transmission may decrease if a person has sexual relations only with a faithful partner. Conclusion: The study indicated that the population has general knowledge about STIs/HIV; however, there is limited knowledge regarding the transmission of viral hepatitis. Therefore, new educational strategies on this topic need to be implemented in the routine of primary health care units.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Caren Cerqueira Mina, Cleuma Sueli Santos Suto, Sálem Ramos de Almeida, Allana Letícia Dantas Rodrigues Araujo, Adson Mateus Santos Martins, Ivana Eneida Do Nascimento Santos , Lílian Cristina Oliveira dos Santos
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