Elderly women’s knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases, and their use and access to preventive measures

Abstract

This descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study was performed with the objective to verify the knowledge and occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and access to treatment among female clients of an Elderly Health Center and their understanding, use and access to preventive methods. Data collection was performed using a structured form with 210 aged women at the Uberaba Elderly Health Center (Uberaba, MG) and analyzed using simple statistics. It was found that 74.8% of the women knew what STD were, and the most familiar diseases was the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (94.8%); 12.4% reported having had a STD, and gonorrhea was the most reported (23%). The signs and symptoms most often mentioned were vaginal itching (65.2%) and discharge (57.6). The condom was referred as the main prevention method (80.5%). However, only 20.6% of the sexually active women referred using condoms. It is highlighted that it is important to implement educational activities regarding STD and preventive methods aiming at this specific population.

Descriptors: Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Health of the Elderly; Nursing.