Percepção das adolescentes sobre a infecção do HPV e seus fatores de risco: reflexão sobre a utilização das TIC no controle da transmissao do HPV

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the perception of adolescents about HPV infection and its risk factors.Methods: A descriptive study carried out in schools of the State of Maringá / PR. The target population corresponded to girls aged 13 to 14 years (n = 1403) enrolled in the 9th grade in the 28 schools of the Municipality. The schools were classified in three levels according to the note of the Brazil test for stratified random sample analysis of conglomerates. 09 schools were randomly selected and 230 students answered a semi-structured questionnaire on the transmission of HPV and its relation to cervical cancer (CCU). Results: 96% of the girls who answered the questionnaire pointed out that the transmission of HPV occurs during sexual intercourse and of these 57% believe it is sexual intercourse without a condom and for 48% of them only women can become infected. The majority (88%) of the respondents believe that HPV can cause CCU. Information on HPV and means of prevention were obtained at health centers (74%, 68%, respectively) and TV (70%, 43%, respectively). 76% of the respondents took the HPV vaccine, whose decision was due to a mother's order (50%) and fear of becoming infected with the virus and developing CCU (42%). Half of the girls who took the vaccine believe that: they would never get HPV; They would not need to use a condom during intercourse; Would be fully protected against CCU; They would not need to take other tests like the CCU preventive test. 13-year-old Catholic adolescents scored better on responses compared to 14-year-old evangelicals. Knowledge about HPV and its relationship to CCU were significantly associated with decision-making to join the vaccination campaign. 94% of girls have a cell phone with internet access and 90% use Facebook, Whatsapp and Youtube. Conclusion: Knowledge about HPV and its relationship with CCU is relevant for adolescent adherence to HPV vaccination, but there are still limitations on information on virus transmission and prevention. As these adolescents demonstrate their ability to use ICT in their daily lives, we suggest using this technology as a vehicle for information on HPV transmission.