O adolescente do sexo masculino nas unidades do SUS do município do Rio de Janeiro: estudo sobre a motivação da procura do serviço e percepção do atendimento prestado

Abstract

Adolescence is a stage of life conducive to health promotion and prevention of diseases, especially those related to sexual activity. The first sexual intercourse usually occurs during adolescence and the start age is decreasing, increasing the probability of unplanned pregnancy and susceptibility to STIs. These data demonstrate the relevance and necessity of the existence of health services that meet these demands. It can be observed that sexual and reproductive health policies are more geared towards the female sex, and that male adolescents, as well as the majority of men, resist to go to health services. For this reason, and due to the relevance of epidemiological data on diseases that affect men, the Brazilian Ministry of Health has launched the Man’s Health Program. However, this Program is directed to the age group of 25 to 59 years, not contemplating adolescents and the elderly. Men perceive health spaces as a privileged place for women. The services still operate in a maternal and child logic, with actions aimed at men being incipient, either by the condition of co-responsible for the reproductive events, or because of their specific health. This study aims at knowing and analyzing what motivates male adolescents to search for health service and their perception about the care offered at SUS health units in the city of Rio de Janeiro, and is part of a larger study called "Sexual and reproductive care adolescents in the SUS health units of the city of Rio de Janeiro ". Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with adolescents who attended at SUS Units in various neighborhoods. The data analysis was based on dialectical hermeneutics through the following steps: (1) reading and re-reading the transcriptions; (2) thematic organization of the stories; (3) categorization; (4) identification of the most relevant points, ideas and contradictions, in dialogue with literature; (5) contextualization and interpretation for the apprehension of broader meanings. The results revealed that adolescents, for the most part, seek care due to acute issues, which could often be prevented if there was regular health monitoring. Access to the units was classified as satisfactory, but heterogeneous. The actions of sexuality education did not show up as a constant in the consultations. Regarding the perception of the quality of care, the respondents reported unfavorable aspects as a lack of professionals, their negative posture, lack of inputs and poor structure as responsible for the negative evaluation. The results set of the study allows to conclude that a change in the form that the masculine adolescent is being seen by the health services is necessary. The specificities of adolescence need to be taken into account, as well as the inherent characteristics of the masculine gender and its various forms of masculinity. Improvements in access, sexuality education and quality of care are essential to change the reach of better health indicators for adolescent men.