Conhecimento, atitude e prática das pessoas cegas sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is characterized as a serious public health problem. Several segments of the population are in vulnerable conditions to these conditions, like the blind. Becomes mister identify knowledge, attitudes and practices of these people on this theme to work with the (re)development and greater effectiveness of public policies aimed at this population group and directed their sexual health. OBJECTIVES: To describe the socio-demographic profile; identify knowledge, attitude and practice on sexually transmitted infections/Aids; seek associations between variables of sociodemographic factors and knowledge, attitude and practice about the main Sexually Transmitted Infections/Aids; check associations between variables knowledge and attitudes of variables and practices to HIV/Aids; investigate associations between attitudes and practices in relation to HIV/Aids. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, with a quantitative approach, carried out in Basic Health Units of Campina Grande Family / Paraíba, Brazil, from August 2014 to July 2015 were considered for inclusion persons with bilateral blindness criteria of both sexes and age were equal to or greater than 18 years. Non-probabilistic sample comprised 36 blind individuals. We used the instrument Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Transmitted / AIDS Sexually. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated. There were the Cronbach's Alpha test, chi-square, Exact Chi-Square, plus the calculation of the contingency coefficient. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the State University of Paraíba, Protocol 070988/2014. RESULTS: Participants presented the following characteristics: n 28(77%) are elderly, female 19(53%) do not live with fellow 20(66%) attended elementary school 25(69%) and not currently work 34(94%). They have inadequate knowledge on ways to prevent and transmission of some STI/Aids 35(97%) and ways to prevent HIV 27(75%); equitable distribution about the female condom knowledge; inadequate attitude related to stigma and discrimination against people with HIV/Aids 31(86%) and HIV detection through testing for Aids 35(97%); and improper sexual activity in relation to infection by sexually transmitted infections 26(72%), feminine practice associated with the detection of sexually transmitted infections 14(39%) and sexual practices related to HIV 35(97%). Statistical association was found between variables religion, employment status, primary occupation in the last 12 months, due to not working and schooling and attitudes related to HIV detection; variable between sex and sexual practices related to infection with sexually transmitted infections; and among variables sex, marital status and level of education and female practice related to the detection of sexually transmitted infections. It was identified also statistical association between knowledge of the ways of HIV prevention and stigma and discrimination attitude to people with HIV. For questions related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the instrument has satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha total = 0.802). CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic factors; access to health services and barriers to information provided by the Government; in addition to the denial of sexuality of blind people represent determining factors to the findings, which demonstrate knowledge, attitudes and inappropriate practices of blind people about sexually transmitted infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.