Conhecimento de profissionais de saúde e adolescentessobre as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis,em região vulnerável de Campo Grande–MS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, with a growing number of cases in Brazil. Thus, this descriptive and quantitative study,based on primary data collection and analysis, aimed to assess and analyze the knowledge of healthcare professionals and adolescents about syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. Of the 71 professionals, 34 participated. Only 32,4% recognized age as a risk factor, and only about 50% identified a history of STIs and early sexual initiation. Although most acknowledged the importance of rapid tests for syphilis, only 54% mentioned VDRL for confirmation. In prenatal care, 40,5% reported actively tracking the partners ofpregnant women with syphilis. Regarding HIV/AIDS, 48,6% could not differentiate the terms, with a correlation between profession and correct response (p=0,003). Concerning gonorrhea, only 18,9% recognized men as asymptomatic reservoirs. Among the 91 adolescents, higher education levels were associated with better STI recognition (p=0,003 and p=0,007). Most identified unprotected sex (89%) and multiple sexual partners (76,9%) as risk factors, but fewer associated early sexual initiation (38,5%) and young age (15,4%). Although 85,7% knew about genital contact as a transmission route, there was a lack of knowledge about other modes of transmission. Less than 16% were aware that STIs could be asymptomatic. The results highlight the need to expand STI education for professionals and adolescents, with continuous and comprehensive campaigns to reduce incidence and protect public health.