Atitudes e embaraço face ao preservativo em estudantes de enfermagem

Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the perception of individual risk of HIV infection; to assess knowledge about HIV infection; to learn about condom use attitudes according to gender; to investigate embarrassment about obtaining, negotiating and using condoms according to gender, whether male or female condom. Method This was an analytical cross-sectional study. A non-probabilistic sample was assembled consisting of 102 nursing students. Instruments: sociodemographic and risk perception questionnaire; knowledge test; scale of embarrassment about condom use; condom attitudes scale. Results Perception of risk of HIV infection is favorable/very favorable for more than 50% of young people and there was no statistical difference between the sexes (X 2=2.213; GL= 4, p= 0.697). Of the participants, 86.3% had never been tested for HIV and 86.1% did not recall any HIV prevention campaign. The global result of the knowledge test was 83.7%. The medical-scientific dimension presented the lowest results (77.8%) Embarrassment about obtaining condoms was higher among the women than men (t=-2.08; p=0.04). Attitude towards using condoms was not significantly different between the genders (t= -1.20; p= 0.23). Conclusion The students had a good perception of the risk of HIV infection, but presented low adherence to HIV testing and most did not remember the last prevention campaign. They presented having a high level of knowledge, but they need to improve their knowledge in the medical-scientific dimension. Female students were more embarrassed than the male students about condoms, however, the attitudes towards them were identical. Educational programs continue to be essential.