Adolescentes: perfil socioeconômico e conhecimento sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis com repercussão oral

The study aimed to understand the socio-economic profile, sexual behavior, and knowledge about STI and their relationship with the oral cavity of adolescents in a city in Ceará. This is an analytical, cross-sectional observational study with a quantitative approach carried out in a high school located in Aracoiaba - Brazil, in 2019. After consent, a questionnaire was applied to the adolescents. Of the 102 students, 70.58% knew of some STI, and 52.94% believed that lesions in the oral cavity could indicate this type of infection. There was a significant relationship between being male and not knowing that HIV and syphilis can cause oral diseases. A significant association was found between not knowing the ways to prevent the repercussion of STI in the oral cavity and not having the perception that the type of sex practiced transmits STI. It is concluded that despite an unfavorable economic condition, early initiation of sexual practice, and inadequate prevention of STI, the students were aware of their role in contraception and knew essential aspects related to STI, including the involvement of the oral cavity. However, this knowledge was inadequate when evaluating the prevention and identification of the main STI capable of altering the oral cavity.