Counseling about sexually transmitted diseases in primary care: perception and professional practice Aconselhamento em doenças sexualmente transmissíveis na atenção primária: percepção e prática profissional

Abstract Objective: To understand professionals’ perception of counseling about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV in primary care.Methods: Qualitative study conducted among nurses and physicians in primary care. The data were collected through the focus group technique, anchored by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Data analysis was performed by using the steps of social phenomenology of Alfred Schutz, which showed the categories of the study.Results: The professionals perform counseling in a reduced form based on the orientation for disease prevention. This practice is part of family planning and school activities. User access to sexually transmitted disease is marked by minimum demand. The priorities cases to receive care are emphasized. The professionals feel themselves unprepared and insecure in reporting test results and difficulties in counseling during home visits and maintaining confidentiality and privacy of user information.Conclusion: The professionals perceive counseling as an important practice but find limitations and barriers to conducting counseling.