Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-RIVEROS, Ml et al. Knowledge, attitudes and practices on maternal syphilis among pregnant teenagers at National Reference Hospitals in Paraguay. 2008. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2012, vol.10, n.1, pp.76-84. ISSN 1812-9528.

Early sexual activity broadly exposes adolescent population to a greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. In recent years, there has been an increase in the sexual activity and an earlier beginning of it, causing thus an increase in the incidence of teenage pregnancy which is now considered a serious medical-social problem. This descriptive observational study with an analytic component was developed to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices on maternal syphilis of pregnant adolescents attending national reference hospitals of maternal and child care located in the cities of Asuncion and San Lorenzo. A KAP survey was conducted among adolescents regarding syphilis infection during pregnancy from 2007 to 2008. Information was obtained from 146 pregnant adolescents in a group of 700 pregnant women in which 75% did not have any knowledge about syphilis. Regarding a favorable attitude and good practice, the percentage did not achieve 50% in any case. It has been shown that as good as knowledge is, attitudes are favorable and practices are preventive. These results indicate the need of educating adolescents about the disease, signs and symptoms, to whom and how it affects, as well as the information that if syphilis is treated early, it can be cured.

Keywords : syphilis; adolescent; pregnancy; Paraguay.

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