Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Brazilian women treated in the primary health care system concerning sexually transmitted diseases
Fernandes, A.M.; de Gaspari Antonio, D.; Bahamondes, L.G.; Cupertino, C.V.
Cadernos de Saude Publica 16(## Suppl 1: 103-112
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0102-311X PMID: 10904393 Document Number: 299318
An increase has been observed in the prevalence of HIV infection among Brazilian women in recent years. This study focused on women's knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the primary health care system in Campinas, São Paulo. Of the 249 women interviewed, 10% reported condom use, while consistent use was reported by 7.6%. Although most women reported receiving information from television (87.6%), the quality of such information was insufficient to sensitize women as to their risk of exposure to STD. Most of the women reported physician confidence as an important factor. We conclude that women do not opt for condoms to prevent STD/AIDS, but as a contraceptive method. An instructive dialogue on STD/AIDS should be adopted during physician consultation, and the kind and quality of information should be updated to foster compliance with safer sex practices by the population.