Unwanted pregnancies and STD/AIDS among young girls and boys have demanded the enhancement of reproductive and sexual health care, challenging the traditional professional education, the working processes and the management of primary care. METHODS: Ethnographic study (observation and interviews) conducted in two primary health care units of a touristic city in the State of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the work of the Community Health Agents. RESULTS: The Agents did approach youth sexuality, mainly the girls'; they guided the actions flow and influenced the prevention and care strategies , emphasizing "early pregnancies" and "sexual promiscuity". Young people's health was not approached comprehensively, although the Agents' work constitutes a process technology with great potential for youths' sexual health care. CONCLUSION: Young people benefit from the Agents' professional practices; the Agents' practical wisdom should be valued and their education should include human rights and social construction approaches to health and sexuality.
Primary Health Care; Adolescents; STD; AIDS; Prevention; Sexual and Reproductive Rights