Adolescents health promotion in the context of sex education: community intervention project

Abstract

Introduction: The adolescence is a stage of life marked by quick developmental changes and, therefore, a crucial period to increase the capacities for health-promoting behaviors. In the context of sexual and affective education, nurses can have a relevant role in promoting adolescents health, contributing to their knowledge and attitudes about sexuality. Objective: The project’s main goal was to contribute to the increase of the knowledge about sexuality in adolescents from the 9th school grade, from a school in the intervention area of a Community Care Unit of the Almada/Seixal Health Centers Group. Method: The project was developed following the stages of the Health Planning Methodology. The situation diagnosis was performed using the Questionnaire on Student Perceptions of Sex Education. A non-probability and convenience sample was made up of 16 adolescents. The project was supported by the theoretical framework of Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model. Results and Discussion: The situation diagnosis revealed deficient knowledge about health and also a deficient health seeking behaviour. To solve top priority health problems, health education was the strategy used. After the intervention, more than 80% of students correctly answered questions about the theme, about 72% of students identified two risky sexual behaviours and 53% of students privilege health professionals as the main source of information for sexuality related_issues. Conclusions: This project, based in the Health Planning Methodology and in the Nola Pender’s Health Promotion Model, increased knowledge to adolescents, in the context of sex education, through nursing intervention in a community context.