Comportamento informacional de pessoas com sífilis

barreiras informacionais na busca, compreensão e uso de informações

Abstract

Information behavior encompasses the actions involved in searching for, accessing, evaluating, and using information. Considering the increasing number of syphilis cases in Brazil and its significance as a public health issue, this study aimed to identify the barriers faced by individuals diagnosed with syphilis and treated at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (IMT-RN) in seeking, understanding, and using information about prevention, treatment, and disease management. This qualitative, applied, and exploratory study collected data through bibliographic research and interviews, analyzed using the Collective Subject Discourse method. The findings reveal multiple information barriers related to low schooling levels, illiteracy, stigma, sociocultural taboos, and institutional communication weaknesses, including the lack of specific educational materials and difficulties in understanding printed and digital content. A predominantly passive information posture was observed, with diagnosis typically preceding any active search, alongside strong dependence on health professionals for information interpretation. Stigma, hegemonic masculinity patterns, and socioeconomic inequalities further hindered information flow. Despite these obstacles, participants expressed high confidence in the guidance provided by healthcare professionals. The study concludes that addressing informational inequalities requires accessible, culturally sensitive health education strategies supported by empathetic communication to strengthen informational autonomy and contribute to syphilis control.