Abstract
Objective
To analyze the perception of women regarding their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections.
Method
This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed between August 2018 and October 2019, in a Primary Healthcare Unit. Eight women, aged between 21 and 44 years participated in the study with previous history of sexually transmitted infections. The data collected with semi-structured interviews were submitted to thematic analysis proposed by Bardin.
Results
There is low perception and disregard by women about their condition of vulnerability to these infections. They believe that the possibility of acquiring them is related to behaviors considered deviant, being likely in the life of those who do not experience a stable relationship.
Conclusion and Implications for the practice
The main challenge is to overcome situations experienced by women that enhance their vulnerabilities generated by mistakes and misconceptions. It is necessary to plan preventive actions that are not limited to the transmission of information, but the exchange of knowledge, beliefs and values linked to the way in which women experience their sexuality.
Keywords:
Vulnerability in Health; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Woman; Gender and Health; Collective Health