O papel das estratégias educativas em grupos com idosos portadores de hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus no município de Uberlândia - MG

Abstract

Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are considered a serious public health problem. The education strategies carried out in Primary Health Care contribute to the promotion and protection of health, prevention and control of these comorbidities. The objective of the study was to analyze the role of health education strategies in groups carried out with elderly people with arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) at the Centro de Saúde Escola Jaraguá (CEJAR), in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. A non-randomized clinical trial was carried out from April to August in 2019. The sample was found by 10 elderly people with AH and DM, most of whom were male (60%) and aged between 60 and 70 years old (60%). During five months, five activities were carried out in groups through active methodologies and interactive dynamics in a health unit in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Regarding the results, it was observed that, before the intervention, the participants had difficulties in conceptualizing and knowing the diseases. After the intervention, 50% of the participants responded that their health was much better than in the previous period; 50% reported changes in diet (reduced consumption of industrialized spices, oil, fried foods and salt) and increased physical activity. Therefore, educational strategies have proved to be an important tool for modifying the lifestyle of patients with AH and DM. In addition, Primary Care is a privileged place for the development of these strategies.