Ošetřovatelské perspektivy 2025, 8(1):31-39 | DOI: 10.25142/osp.2025.001

PILOT PROGRAMME FOR HIV/STI PREVENTION IN THE MORAVIAN-SILESIAN REGION

Iveta Bryjová¹, Yvetta Vrublová¹, Gabriela Světnická¹, Hana Hozová^1,2, Markéta Skalná¹, Hana Weyeserová²

¹ Ústav nelékařských zdravotnických studií, Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě, Slezská univerzita v Opavě

² Slezská nemocnice v Opavě

Background: The Moravian-Silesian Region demonstrates an increased epidemiological burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with the highest risk observed among young people and those at risk of social exclusion. The National HIV/AIDS Programme in the Czech Republic for 2023–2027 emphasises the need for preventive programmes targeting particularly young people and individuals at risk of social exclusion.

Aim: This study evaluates the implementation of a pilot prevention programme “Active Prevention and Intervention of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Target Population of the Moravian-Silesian Region” and its reach within target groups.

Methods: The study employed quantitative monitoring of project indicators and qualitative feedback assessment. The programme encompassed educational lectures, screening tests and distribution of educational materials. Data were collected between March and December 2024. Screening tests were conducted in collaboration with the Public Health Institute in Ostrava (ZÚOVA) and the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health Protection at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava (LF OSU).

Results: The programme educated 394 individuals, conducted 320 HIV tests, 320 syphilis tests, 40 HCV tests, distributed 340 educational materials and created one information roll-up banner. The aggregate screening data in collaboration with ZÚOVA and LF OSU totalled 539 tests for HIV, syphilis and HCV. No positive cases of HIV or syphilis were detected; however, 23 (10.5%) cases of HCV were identified. Qualitative feedback from secondary school students revealed that they do not perceive HIV as a significant health risk compared to cancer.

Conclusion: The implementation of the prevention programme achieved its established objectives regarding the number of participants and completed activities. Qualitative findings suggest the need for additional educational interventions among adolescents.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, prevention, educational interventions, screening

Received: March 2, 2025; Revised: April 13, 2025; Accepted: April 28, 2025; Published: October 6, 2025  Show citation