FROM THE AGRESTE TO THE SERTÃO: MEDICAL STUDENTS' EXPERIENCE REPORT ON AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is a systemic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (Tp), transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated blood, bodily fluids, and from mother to child (congenital syphilis). The persistence of this disease is closely linked to Social Determinants of Health (SDH), encompassing individual factors (lifestyle habits, sexual practices), collective aspects (sociocultural issues), and institutional barriers (access to information and health services). Younger populations and men are identified as the most affected groups. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, low education levels, social stigma, and the use of alcohol and other drugs are relevant contributors to the disease's dissemination. METHODOLOGY: A Health Education initiative was conducted in the municipality of Jacaré dos Homens, Alagoas (AL), Brazil. The objective was to disseminate information about syphilis to approximately 400 public school students, ranging from the 9th grade of elementary school to the 3rd year of high school. Three interactive activities were implemented: the "purple cabbage tea" activity, a quiz using the Kahoot! platform, and a lecture accompanied by the distribution of informational leaflets. DISCUSSION: Syphilis was chosen as the focus topic due to its resurgence in Brazil and the expressed need from local health and education authorities to address Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among the youth population. Despite initial concerns about student receptiveness, potentially hindered by prejudice and social taboos surrounding the topic, participation was observed to be active and respectful. The use of the Kahoot! application as a health education tool proved valuable for engaging students through gamification, an approach recommended for engaging Generations Z and Alpha, who are highly accustomed to electronic devices. The initiative demonstrated the critical need to impart knowledge about STIs, particularly syphilis, covering both prevention and treatment aspects. This reinforces the importance of targeted health education actions for disseminating essential information. CONCLUSION: Guided by the core principle of university outreach – fostering interaction between the university and the community – the health education action on syphilis in Jacaré dos Homens-AL successfully fulfilled its role. It provided guidance, clarified doubts, and promoted health awareness. Consequently, it contributed to reinforcing positive health habits and encouraging modifications to behaviors potentially detrimental to the health of that community.