Conhecimento, atitude e prática de adolescentes gestantes sobre a prevenção de sífilis congênita

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, the attitudes and the practices of adolescent pregnant women about the prevention of congenital syphilis transmission. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study. It was developed in an outpatient clinic of adolescents belonging to a school maternity of the public network, considered of tertiary level, reference for obstetric and neonatal care. The study had a sample of 80 adolescents. The data collection took place between the months of September to November 2016, after approval of the ethics committee of the institution, with the number of opinion 1.646.393. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and presented in tables. Interviews were conducted with the use of a questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice about the infection of acquired and congenital syphilis and its prevention. The results found were that the age of the pregnant women ranged from 12 to 19 years, prevailing pregnant women less than or equal to 15 years (51.2%). Prevalence was lower than 9 years of schooling (60.0%) and the mulatto or brown race (74.9%). Most of the pregnant women: had a partner (56.3%), had only 1 partner in the last months (92.5%), had their First sexual intercourse until 15 years old (90.0%) and were primigravidas (95.0%). The adolescent women preferred the male condom as a contraceptive method (52.5%). Knowledge was inadequate (93.8%), since only 40 (50%) of the women had heard about syphilis and only 9 (11.8%) had heard of congenital syphilis and most did not know how to prevent syphilis (55.0%); The appropriate attitude (52.5%) was characterized by 80 (100.0%) pregnant women always refer to prenatal care; 77 pregnant women (96.3%) affirm that it is always necessary to show the results of prenatal exams; 76 (95%) affirm that it is always necessary, if you have syphilis, to follow up with a health professional. Inadequate practice (93.8%) was influenced by the low percentage of condom use before pregnancy (13.8%) and during pregnancy (10.0%). It was concluded that the knowledge and practice of adolescent pregnant women were inadequate, while the attitude was adequate. The need for information for pregnant women to acquire new knowledge and to have correct attitudes towards their sexuality was highlighted in the study. In addition to the development of educational methods that clearly and objectively transmit information in order to improve the knowledge, the attitude and the practice of pregnant adolescents on the prevention of congenital syphilis.