Perceptions, experiences and perspectives on school health and the School Health Program: the teachers’ viewpoint on the municipal health network of Belem-PA

Abstract

Health at school is the subject of relevant discussions on health promotion. This study aims to understand the reach of the actions resulting from the School Health Program in municipal public schools in Belem-PA, from the perspective of teachers. It is a descriptive-observational study, with analysis of interviews with 22 teachers of municipal public basic education. Field research took place from April to June 2018. A content analysis was carried out, proposed by Bardin, generating four thematic units. Of those interviewed, 50% were unaware of the referred program or the operation of it. It was possible to perceive different modes of interaction between the program's actuators, from the most punctual and inefficient to the most contextualized and integrative. The study of social health determinants is necessary to better understand the processes and needs of these actions in the municipal school environment, with emphasis on issues of basic sanitation, food insecurity, violence and drugs. There is a need for self-recognition of the teacher as a health educator, in order to make them intrinsic health promoters in their pedagogical practices. The school's articulation with the school community can serve as an input for greater integration and stimulation of social control practices.

Keywords:
school health services; public policy; intersectoral collaboration; qualitative research; Public Health