This study aims to analyze the knowledge about the prevention of STD/AIDS and the adoption of condoms by young people. Quantitative study, conducted with 492 teenagers from two schools of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected during 2003 through a questionnaire and analyzed with EPI-INFO 6.0. As for prevention, 94,5% reported to known condoms like an effective method, but 10.8% felt that the birth control pill also prevents the STD/AIDS and 16.9% of adolescents indicated that to have sex only with own partner is also an effective method of prevention. With respect to the practices of prevention, have been examined only the adolescents with sexually active (492), of these, 11% never use condoms in sex, 32.7% use eventually, and 53.3% use in all sexual relations. It follows that knowledge does not revert to practices of prevention and that the relationship stable and the use of contraceptives are associated with the prevention of STD/AIDS.
Sexuality; Adolescent Health; Quantitative Analysis; Nursing
