The considerations of the nurse regarding educational practice in the family health program in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This study, exploratory, descriptive and qualitative by nature, sought to describe the considerations of the nurse regarding health education, discussing the factors interfering with its promotion within the Family Health Program in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sixteen nurses participated in the research, and data collection was carried out using a previously structured interview script. Activities in health education are performed at specific times through talks and group activities. Some participants consider educational activities according to the traditional healthcare model, while others see them as an opportunity to develop in patients a critical awareness of the importance of joint responsibility of healthcare professionals and patients in activities promoting and protecting health. A lack of investment in materials, infrastructure, human resources, a great demand for services and an excess of bureaucratic activities are listed as factors that hinder educational practices. The conclusion is that health education in Family Health Units are filled with contradictions and that to understand them, the healthcare professional, particularly the nurse, needs to consider new forms of social relations and the health needs of the population, in order to overcome the methods that limit the teaching of healthy behaviors.