DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL ACTIONS ON SYPHILIS AMONG STUDENTS OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of nursing students in activities with students of a public school about syphilis, as part of the extension project "Learning about syphilis: Working with education and health among young people", developed in 2010, linked to the Federal University of Campina Grande, Cuité, PB, Brazil. Reporting Experience: The idea of working with this topic is because of the increase in the number of young people with active sexual life and pregnancy in adolescence, which have been associated to the high number of cases of congenital syphilis in Brazil. The project was developed with adolescents enrolled in 8th and 9th grade education in a public school in the city of Cuité. The nursing students and teachers involved with the project participated of conversation tables, plays, and group dynamics addressing the subject of syphilis, other STDs and prevention methods. The teachers, coordinator and a collaborator participated in the activities and sometimes clarified doubts about the topics. Conclusion: We observed that problem-solving methodologies, such as the conversation tables and ludic activities, facilitated the exchange of experience between the project team and adolescents. However, there is still a need to speak about STDs among young people and to empower teachers to address healthcare issues with their students. DESCRIPTORS Studentes. Shyphilis; Health Education.