title: Counseling regarding sexual and reproductive behavior: principles and practices of catholic priests.
abstract: Considering and respecting religious beliefs and values is vital for delivering integral health care. This study describes the religious principles and guidance provided by Catholic priests on sexuality and reproduction. The oral history method was used. Interviews were carried out between August 2007 and May 2008 and were analyzed in an inductive and interpretive manner to acquire a deep focus on the theme. Thirteen Catholic priests from the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil were interviewed. Counseling provided by the priests has a traditional and conservative character and is based on principles of Catholic doctrine. Health education and promotion activities involving aspects related to sexuality and reproduction should be relevant and permeated with ethical considerations from the perspective of health care services' users, including religious perspectives.
authors.affiliation: Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, Brazil. kikatuca@usp.br
authors.forename: Luiza Akiko Komura
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hoga
authors.forename: Cristiane Alves
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Tiburcio
authors.forename: Ana Luiza Vilela
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Elma Lourdes Campos Pavone
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Zoboli
authors.forename: Rocio Elizabeth
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Chavez-Alvarez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002410:Catholicism; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D043762:Reproductive Behavior; D012731:Sex Counseling