WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH? CONCEPTIONS OF HEALTH STUDENTS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Health care can be understood in a more traditional way, centered on individual habits and behaviors, to a broader conception and attuned to the complexity of the health-disease process, involving a more advanced and social notion about health promotion. Since both concepts have distinct consequences for health care practices, it is important to know the understanding of health students about what they consider important for maintaining health. A literature review was conducted on the subject and a qualitative analysis from the answers to the question 'what you consider important to take care to maintain good health?', which makes up the questionnaire of a larger research entitled 'conceptions and practices of health and disease', applied to 195 health students from higher education. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the State Office of Health from Bahia with the document 067/2010. All participants agreed with their participation and signed the free and informed consent. As a result, the majority of students, 59%, reported feeding as a priority. As for physical activity, 48% responded that this is an important supporter of health. Mental health care was cited by 39% of students and the relevance of sociocultural aspects by 12%. 16 students (8.2%) showed regular consultations and conducting periodic examinations as important to maintain health. The responses indicate that students enter the University with a predominantly individualistic view about the health-related factors, pointing to the need for greater integration of social content promoting expanded health since high school from higher education.