KNOWLEDGE AND PREVENTION OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AMONG HOMELESS ADOLESCENT 1

This study aims to identify the knowledge and prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases among homeless adolescents. An exploratory descriptive qualitative carried from January to March 2011 in a government hostel in Fortaleza-CE. through notes on field diary and interviews with 19 adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years. The results were analyzed and interpreted in a qualitative context, expressed mediantes themes categories. Three categories were identified: knowing about STD, prevention, and risk and experiences / experiences with STD. According to the reports expressed in the categories, we verified that adolescents' knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Diseases is inadequate and leads to greater vulnerability. By expressing that ignored the issue, we identified not only the insufficient knowledge, but the shame in approaching the issue, which hindered the possibility of receiving necessary guidelines for the disease prevention. Nurses should appropriate the needs of the adolescents, seeking the planning and implementation of effective strategies to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases.