Sexual knowledge in adolescence

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of elementary school students concerning sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the prevention of unwanted pregnancy, before and after the participation of the students in workshops. Methods: This extension project involved weekly meetings with 25 adolescents in the ninth year of elementary education in a public school in the city of Uberaba (Minas Gerais). A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of students on the first (pre-test) and final (post-test) days of the activities, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshops. Results: The results of the tests revealed improvements in the intellectual and personal knowledge of these adolescents after the workshops. Conclusion: The application of the questionnaire confirmed the effectiveness of workshops, since the questions answered incorrectly in the pre-test showed better results in the post-test. Comparison of the two surveys showed that at the end of the activities, information had been absorbed and doubts had been clarified.