Abstract:

The population is aging gradually and with this a high number of notifications of new cases of contamination by Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in the elderly have been detected. Since sexuality in the third age is a complex subject to be approached, because it is taboo, Nursing as a science makes technologies as a strategy to assist this particular public. In this way, the process of elaborating educational booklets helps assisting the client in the change of their lifestyle, becoming the agent of transformation, thus broadening their understanding.

The aim of this study was to compose an educational booklet about prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the elderly. This is a methodological research related to the construction of an educational technology in the modality of booklet. The research was carried out from August to December 2016. The following precepts were adopted by Echer (2005): bibliographical survey and composition of the educational material. Initially, in the bibliographic survey, the manuals of the Ministry of Health related to sexually transmitted infections were analyzed. Consequently, an integrative review of literature was performed on the Medline and Lilacs databases.

The inclusion criteria adopted were the following: The issue related to sexually transmitted infections in the elderly; Description of the prevention or the perception of the elderly about STIs; Being available electronically and free of charge in full; Being classified as original article; Being published in Portuguese and published in the last six years. Duplicate publications were excluded. The following descriptors were used according to MeSH (Medical Subject Headings): elderly and sexually transmitted infections, the following crossing: the elderly and sexually transmitted infections. For the preparation of the booklet, the steps recommended by Moreira, Nobrega and Silva (2003) concerning language, illustrations, layout and design were followed.

The booklet was titled “Better Conscious Aged. I do not want STIs!” It was structured to address key information about prevention of sexually transmitted infections in the elderly. In relation to the content, the following topics were extracted from the selected literature: etiology, signs and symptoms and mode of prevention. In its context there was used information with clear and objective language, composed of twenty-one pages, divided into nine domains with illustrations and information related to the content. It is believed that this material will help raise the awareness of the elderly population about healthy and protected sexual practices.
Moreover, it is considered an educational tool that helps nurses to propagate information in a clear, objective and creative way, making it relevant and necessary to break taboos, since this subject is little discussed by the elderly population and health professionals

Keywords:

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Health Education, Elderly Health, Sexuality, Nursing.