Os grupos de promoção de saúde como dispositivos de cuidado na atenção básica

Abstract

Groups might be defined as areas in which different people, concepts, values and culture coexist and interact. They might be divided in several categories. As for the Health Promotion Groups (HPG), they are perceived as a collective and interdisciplinary intervention, which works in favor of autonomy and the continuing development of health levels and the living conditions of its participants. This research sought to know and comprehend the history and meanings attributed to the participation in a HPG by its members, as well as the role of the team for the accomplishment of this type of care. Therefore, a qualitative study was carried out, with the usage of semi-structured interviews of 10 participants of a HPG, besides the observations of four meetings of such group. Data were triangulated and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The results were presented in two articles. The first article resulted in the commitment of the professionals to the practices of the group, demonstrating that they seem to perform a live work in act, marked by a proper welcoming, affection, bond, respect and acknowledgement of the users as leading roles of their care and their history. As for the results of the second article, it was showed that the HPG had passed through some transformations along its trajectory of 20 years, presenting a plurality of activities. In addition, among the meanings attributed to the group, integration and interaction are highlighted since they were strongly emphasized by the participants, as well as the educational character, since the participants reported that they leave the group with more knowledge and information, feeling way stronger and empowered. Thus, the results show that the performance of HPG in Primary Care, when it is built collectively, through affective exchanges and valorization of the others, it might be inclusive and it might provide a legit space of speech, production of meanings, life, health and subjectivity, demonstrating that this type of practice might be a care device, capable of consolidating a process of health production and strengthening Public Policies, especially the Brazilian Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS).