Análise sobre o ensino das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis em escolas públicas de Minas Gerais

Abstract

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and sex education are very important topics to address with students in schools, especially with the alarming increase in the number of STI cases observed among young people recently. This is a descriptive study addressing different aspects of teaching about STIs in the views of students and teachers in public schools covered by the Carangola Regional Teaching Superintendence, Muriaé microregion, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data were collected through questionnaires and were analyzed descriptively and also based on the technique of Content Analysis. The results of this research indicate that students are possibly completing high school without satisfactory knowledge regarding the forms of transmission and prevention against STIs, highlighting the urgent need to improve teaching strategies and education policies. Among the main difficulties experienced by teachers are the high number of weekly classes and the lack of quality teaching material. Teachers are afraid of receiving reprisals from students and their families when addressing content about sex education and STIs in the classroom, often considered taboos in Brazilian society. Planning lessons that use more interactive dynamics, lectures, and conversation wheels could spark students' interest in the classes and promote better learning. It is hoped that this brief overview may contribute to the sensitization of teachers and the school community, leading to discussions aimed at improving teaching about STIs in schools in Minas Gerais and in the country.