Conhecimento e práticas preventivas relacionadas à infecção por Papilomavírus Humano em meninas adolescentes e Agentes Comunitários de Saúde: Ação educativa e vacinação na escola

Abstract

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection worldwide, affecting the skin and mucous membranes, with adolescents being the most vulnerable group. It is the main etiology of cervical cancer and is also associated with other neoplasms. Low vaccination adherence and lack of knowledge about the virus contribute to its continued circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and preventive practices related to HPV among adolescents (aged 14 to 18 years) and community health agents (CHA). This is an analytical, cross-sectional, and quantitative research based on primary data collected through structured interviews conducted via Google Forms, organized in Excel spreadsheets, and secondary data extracted from the Citizen’s Electronic Health Record (PEC). The sample consisted of 95 adolescents from public schools located in the neighborhoods of Maria Aparecida Pedrossian and Jardim Noroeste, as well as schools offering places for girls residing in Jardim Noroeste, and 23 CHA from the Family Health Units Maria Aparecida Pedrossian (n=13) and Dr. Fernando Arruda Torres–José Tavares (n=10). The study was conducted from March to September 2024. Among the adolescents, 81.1% had heard about HPV; 41,1% (n=39) associated it with genital warts; 43.1% believed that the Pap smear prevents HPV; only 11.5% (n=11) recognized the skin as a route of transmission, and 1,1% (n=1) acknowledged that the infection can be asymptomatic. Regarding vaccination, 67.6% believed it is recommended only for the age group of 9 to 14 years, while 23.5% (n=34) were aware of its expansion up to 19 years of age. Among the CHA, 47.8% considered that contaminated objects do not transmit HPV, although 95.6% reported providing guidance about the virus to families; 34.7% were unaware of the expanded vaccination age range, and 17.3% were unaware of the adoption of a single-dose regimen. Although 69.5% reported receiving training in their units, 30.4% stated that they do not receive such updates regularly These findings highlight the need for educational actions directed at adolescents, continuous training of community health agents, and strengthening of the School Health Program. They emphasize the essential work of community health agents and point to permanent strategies of education, active case finding, and vaccination aimed at reducing HPV and promoting collective health.