Women's perceptions and practices regarding prevention and health promotion in primary healthcare.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the perceptions and participation of female basic health unit users with regard to prevention and health promotion.


METHODS
Qualitative study with 20 users of a family health unit in the municipality of Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, in 2007. The interview script included questions about the health-disease process and prevention and health promotion. The content analysis technique was used to analyze the reports. RESULTS ANALYSIS: The perception of disease prevention was influenced by Leavell & Clark's theory, which is expressed as actions that avoid the appearance, progression or worsening of disease. Health promotion was regarded as a level of prevention and associated with the individual responsibility and the positive concept of health. Prevention and health promotion practices were influenced by the positive health concept, the possibility of causing pleasure/displeasure, the way in which they might interfere in daily life, by the concept of will-power and the value attributed to life.


CONCLUSIONS
The discourse about disease prevention and health promotion is marked by traditional concepts. However, the inclusion of the positive health concept, allied to pleasure and will-power, are the main behavior determinants. Strategies based on a more comprehensive approach to the health-disease process are needed, thus reflecting the modern principles of health promotion.
Figueira
Taís Rocha
TR
Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Ferreira e Ferreira
Efigênia
E
Schall
Virgínia Torres
VT
Modena
Celina Maria
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D057181:Pleasure; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011322:Primary Prevention; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014836:Volition; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult