Approaching Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Nursing Undergraduate Curriculum*

Abstract

Objective: To identify the approach to sexually transmitted infections in the undergraduate nursing course at a federal university in southern Brazil. Method: Socio-historical research with a qualitative approach, and use of oral and documentary sources. Thirteen professors participated. Data collection took place between December 2018 and April 2019. Data analysis was thematic. Results: Three categories of analysis emerged: the teaching of sexually transmitted infections based on Brazilian public policies; sexually transmitted infections and their teaching strategy in an undergraduate nursing course; and the trajectory of approach to sexually transmitted infections in an undergraduate nursing course. The undergraduate course is based on public health and education policies, and the subject “Sexually Transmitted Infections” was created in the course at the end of the 1970s. The content is not mandatory, being associated with the area of public health and evidenced in the fields of practice and educational activities. Conclusion: The teaching of sexually transmitted infections has been in line with public health and education policies. It gains a greater teaching focus with the emergence of AIDS.