Behavior change intervention related to the lifestyle of primary health care workers: a qualitative study

Abstract

Objective  To evaluate the perception of effectiveness and feasibility of a program to support behavioral changes in lifestyle habits for Primary Health Care (PHC) workers.

Methods  This qualitative study was carried out in PHC health units in the city of São Carlos, SP. 20 health professionals participating in a health education intervention were interviewed, with four meetings regarding behavioral changes in relation to physical activity and eating habits. At the end of the intervention, a semi-structured interview was conducted about the program, in which participants indicated their level of satisfaction, perceived effectiveness, suggestions for improvement, and knowledge acquired. The recorded reports were analyzed using Bardin and Minayo’s content analysis, with categorization of the main domains identified in the interviews.

Results  The reports indicated the perception of the program as feasible, high quality, and effective, which contributes to improving lifestyle and motivates the multiplication of information to PHC users. However, workers indicated a desire for additional long-term programs that offer in-person supervision.

Conclusion  Health education in the workplace was effective, and encouraged the implementation of new policies aimed at workers.

Occupational Health; Primary Health Care; Health Behaviors; Physical Activity; Eating Behavior