TALKING ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND SEXUALITY AT SCHOOLS

Abstract

This study aimed to describe and analyze educational strategies conducted in a university extension project, whose objective was to clarify issues about sexuality, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The methodological approach was based on meetings and workshops with interactive activities, using pedagogical models if necessary. The activities were developed in 2014 with students from the 8th and 9th grades of elementary education in a public school in Santos (Brazil). At the end of the project, students responded to a questionnaire prepared in a Likert scale. The survey investigated the perception of learning of the students, the performance of the extension team and evaluated the methodological approaches used. For the statistical analysis of quantitative data, the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test were used. Personal impressions, comments and opinions corresponded to the collection of qualitative data. In general, we obtained a good acceptance of students in the activities. Issues related to sexuality, such as safe sex, STD and teenage pregnancy aroused the interest of the young people who, in general, were experiencing their first sexual experiences. Even though the project achieved its objectives, contributing for acquisition of new knowledge related to STD by students, the statistical analysis indicated that this knowledge did not necessarily change their behavior. These findings reinforce the importance of project proposals and campaigns related to sexual education for the youth.