KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES ABOUT CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AND IST's IN NURSING STUDENTS

Abstract

The present study aims to identify the level of knowledge and practices regarding contraceptive methods and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) among nursing students, identify the preferred contraceptive method among university students, discover the reasons influencing their method choice, and identify the correlation between the choice of contraceptive method and the prevention of STIs. This study is descriptive, cross-sectional, and employs a quantitative approach. The sample consists of nursing students from the State University of Goiás (UEG), Unit University (UnU) Ceres-GO, ranging from the 1st to the 10th semester. For data collection, a structured questionnaire was used, and the data were tabulated and presented through tables and graphs. The research was conducted from September to December 2022. A total of 67 female students participated in the study, with an average age of 23 years, ranging from 18 to 55 years. The preferred contraceptive method for 23.8% (n=16) of the participants is Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP), followed by Condom + OCP (22.3%; n=15), and Male Condom, which is used by only 11.9% (n=8). It was possible to conclude that the students have knowledge about various contraceptive methods. However, with so much diversity available, some methods are overlooked. Despite easy access to information, the findings suggest a need for sexual health education. Even students in a health-related course lacked awareness of all preventive methods