Knowledge Level of Sexual Health among Students in Feira De Santana
Anna Clara Casali Fraga
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Clara Iracy de Oliveira Araujo
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Isabella de Oliveira
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Letícia da Silva Sampaio
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Letícia Macêdo Bilhar
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Letícia Waleska Nascimento Silva
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Maria Luíza de Araújo Martins
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Pedro Henrique Viana Cavalcante
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Wendell Marques
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
Yuri Gabriel Evangelista Rios
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
João Ronaldo Tavares de Vasconcellos Neto *
Unidade de Ensino Superior de Feira de Santana, BA, UNEF, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Sex education is an essential component in promoting health among adolescents, contributing to the prevention of STIs, early pregnancy, and sexual violence. Sex education is understood as the teaching that raises individuals' awareness about their bodies, established boundaries, and the pursuit of safe development in sexual activity. However, its inclusion in schools still faces resistance due to cultural, religious, and political influences, leading to misinformation and increased vulnerability among young people.
Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about sexual health among high school students in public schools in Feira de Santana, focusing on STIs, contraceptive methods, menstrual cycle, teenage pregnancy, mental health, and family planning.
Methodology: Descriptive bibliographic study, based on a literature review of scientific publications from 2020 to 2025. Searches were conducted on the PubMed database using DeCS descriptors such as “Sex Education,” “Adolescent,” and “Schools.” Nine thematic axes were defined to guide the critical analysis of the articles.
Results and Discussion: The data reveal significant gaps in formal sex education, a lack of adequate teacher training, and difficulties in accessing clear information about contraception. A direct correlation was also identified between the lack of sex education and the increase in STIs, early pregnancy, and mental health issues among adolescents. Effective sex education was shown to be associated with reduced school dropout rates, improved academic performance, and strengthened family planning.
Conclusion: The absence of a systematic approach to sexual health in schools compromises students' physical and mental well-being. Investing in comprehensive educational programs, teacher training, and inclusive strategies is essential for promoting sexual health and building a safe, informative, and welcoming school environment for adolescents. Therefore, it is concluded that sex education is an essential tool for promoting the overall health of adolescents, and that investment in teacher training, public policies, and social awareness is crucial for advancing this educational agenda.
Keywords: Sex education, adolescents, schools, knowledge, sexual health