Adolescence and sexuality in the everyday lives of the nursing team of the basic health care service

Abstract

This is a descriptive-quantitative survey to identify the perception of the nursing team of the Basic Health Care Service about questions concerning sexuality and adolescence. Fifty-five professionals took part in this research: (52%) nurses and (43,9%) nursing assistants. The female sex was predominant, 84%. Most of them (54%) claims to be Catholic. Masturbation practice is a natural way to know the body for 84% of the team. Homosexuality is a choice as any other one for 56% of the Catholic people, whereas 42% of the evangelicals consider it as a psychological disorder. It is mentioned that sexual initiation should happen between the ages of 20 to 24 years old (61%) and it should be with someone they feel really attracted to. It is considered that those who should talk about sexuality with adolescents are the parents and the health and education professionals (96%). As for the approach to adolescents at work, 63% consider themselves prepared even though 37% consider it difficult to answer questions about the theme for not being a part of their everyday lives. The professionals of this study demonstrate responsibility as for the educational and preventive process, but they all agree that there still exist some taboos and prejudice which may interfere in the process of health education, concerning non-planned pregnancy prevention and risks of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and AIDS.