Abstract

BESERRA, Eveline Pinheiro  and  ALVES, Maria Dalva Santos. Nursing and environmental health in schools. Acta paul. enferm. [online]. 2012, vol.25, n.5, pp. 666-672. ISSN 1982-0194.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-21002012000500004.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the meanings attributed by a group of adolescents to environmental health. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study, that utilized action research in a public school in the interior of Ceará, that was located in proximity to the construction of a thermoelectric coal power plant. We used free observation, field notes and a group approach, by means of the technique of historical design of the theme, and were guided by the question: What do you understand about environmental health? RESULTS: Discussions emerged with respect to the interference of man on nature, harming the plants, sustainable development and pollution risk in the community. CONCLUSION: We found that nurses can be environmental educators and work in this space, encouraging moments of reflection about actions committed to the socioenvironmental locus.

Keywords : Environmental health; Health education; Adolescent.