Qualitative analysis of the health promotion work in a Academia da Saúde programme's unit

Abstract

The Academia da Saúde programme has been considered an important health promotion strategy in the scope of primary health care in Brazil. However, there is little evidence on what and how professional practices have been developed as a means to enact health promotion processes in the programme. The study´s purpose was to analyse the health promotion work in a Academia da Saúde programme´s unit from Lajeado city, Brazil. The study employed a qualitative approach and grounded theory research method. Participants included a female Health and Physical Education professional (aged 32y), a female health centre coordinator (aged 41y) and eight users (2 men, 6 women, aged 30-69y). Data were collected through condensed fieldwork, involving interviews and non-participant observation of group sessions. Using salutonegesis theory, qualitative analysis generated key findings on the elements of the health promotion work, namely: holistic care, use of diversification into cognitive, psychosocial and physical activities, development of skills and capacities that served as health resources, and the occurrence of resistance and challenges in the programme. Furthermore, the findings offered practical examples of possibilities to enact health promotion process, which represents a significant contribution to knowledge on health work. The study may support both future interventions and professional education, indicating alternative pathways for practitioners and undergraduate students to widen the scope of health promotion actions beyond the biophysical dimension.