Assisted pregnant patients' knowledge about syphilis and other STIs at Basic Health Units in the city of Zé Doca, State of Maranhão

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women assisted in Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) of a city in the state of Maranhão about syphilis and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Methods: This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The sample was composed of pregnant patients who sought care in the UBS of the municipality. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied on the participants' sociodemographic information and general knowledge of the interviewees about STIs/syphilis. Results: Of the 25 pregnant patients interviewed, 84% were 18 years of age or older, 52% had attended high school, 64% reported having an income of less than one minimum wage, 48% knew at least one STI; 48% did not inform about the etiologic agent of syphilis; 40% said that the human organs affected by syphilis correspond to the genitalia; 28% said that the test to diagnose syphilis are the blood screening tests; 72% could not answer what is congenital syphilis; and 60% of pregnant women could not inform about the transmission of congenital syphilis. Conclusion: The findings indicated that the investigated pregnant patients demonstrated erroneous knowledge about STD/syphilis.