Health Promotion: A Qualitiative Survey With Primary School Teachers

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of a group of primary education teachers about issues related to the promotion of health.
Methods: The sample was made up of 15 primary education teachers from public schools in the city of Belo Horizonte-MG, southeast of Brazil. Interviews were conducted and data evaluation was undertaken through content analysis. Two central themes were approached: health promotion and the health-disease process.
Results: The results showed that concept of the teachers regarding the promotion of health seemed to be aimed at their students and their daily habits and practices. They reported approaching the theme through their teaching contents. According to these teachers, the school should seek help from other institutions. In terms of what can influence the promotion of health, teachers were unanimous in mentioning the strong relationship between knowledge and the pursuit of good health. Also, the need to identify major determinants of the disease/health process was highlighted, and the connection between lifestyle, socio-economic status and the disease/health process was identified. Awareness of the influence of both the environment and the school surroundings was demonstrated.
Conclusions: The perceptions of the teachers of issues related to the promotion of health have an influence on their professional behavior. It is very important that they are aware of the environment that surrounds them as well as the reality of the lives of all those involved with the school.