Knowledge of Primary Health Care Users about Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV

Abstract

Objective: To describe the knowledge of primary health care users regarding the transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and condom use. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Primary Health Care Unit in a quilombola community located in the countryside of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Data collection took place between October 2023 and March 2024 using a questionnaire validated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, including sociodemographic information and knowledge regarding STI/HIV transmission. The questionnaire was administered to 165 individuals aged 20–59 years who were registered at the health unit. Data were organized using Microsoft^® Excel software, and absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. Results: There was a predominance of women (85.45%), Black individuals (82.42%), participants aged 20–29 years (36.97%), married individuals (61.21%), and those who had completed high school education (47.27%). Most participants were unemployed and had access to consumer goods such as telephones/mobile phones, refrigerators, and televisions. Approximately 50% reported knowledge regarding hepatitis B, C, and D, with a balanced distribution between correct and incorrect responses. Regarding questions about HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), most answers were correct; however, 66.06% of participants believed that the risk of HIV transmission could be reduced if an individual had sexual intercourse exclusively with one faithful partner. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the population possesses general knowledge regarding STIs/HIV; however, knowledge about the transmission of viral hepatitis remains limited. Therefore, new educational strategies addressing this topic should be incorporated into the routine activities of primary health care services.