National day to combat acquired syphilis and congenital syphilis: control and prevention strategy

Abstract

Objective: To report the experience of students in the 6th period of their undergraduate degree in Nursing, regarding the development and execution of an educational activity on prevention and control strategies for acquired and congenital syphilis, in a Regional Polyclinic in a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Experience report: Banners and folders were created as a health education strategy. The activity was carried out in two environments: with the population inside and at the entrance to the polyclinic and outside - with the population passing by the unit. The students interacted with the public through participatory dialogue, focused on the community's prior knowledge, identification, prevention strategies and clarification of doubts, reinforcing the importance and free provision of STIs' rapid tests, which encouraged adherence to the test, besides the distribution of condoms. It is worth noting that the reception was mostly positive, demonstrated through engagement with the activity. However, resistance was experienced, demonstrating the stigma of the population in relation to the topic.  Final considerations: The relevance of educational activities for the community is highlighted, with the dissemination of information on forms of prevention, control of syphilis and understanding of the appropriate use of resources offered by the public service.