Representações sociais de homens usuários de unidades de atenção primária à saúde sobre o processo saúde/doença

Abstract

This study aimed to identify and understand the social representations of men users in the primary health care units on the health / disease process; Analyzing the social representations of men users in the primary heath care units on the health / disease process and the way they care for themselves. The method used was the qualitative research, based on the Social Representations Theory. The study included twenty-one men registered in the units, corresponding to ten in the first unit and eleven in the second unit, aged between 23 and 58 years old. A semi-structured interviews were used, containing guiding questions, allowing participants to express themselves freely. For the organization and systematic analysis of elaborate representations, was used as basis, the method of content analysis proposed by Bardin. The representations were organized into four categories of analysis, namely: Health in the representation of men; The disease in the representation of men; Representations of men on how to care; Representations of men on assistance and solving health issues in the PHCU. Elaborate representations reveal health as something indispensable to life, essential for quality of life, making it possible to perform all daily activities. Participants represent the disease as a pathology itself or the failure of any part of the body, alluding to the biologist care model. The representations show that men seek actions as self-medication, before seeking expert help. The representations also reveal that the resoluteness of services is measured by scheduling appointments, referrals to specialties, drug distribution and speed in service. Therefore, it is necessary strategies for integrating user and services designed specifically for this audience, strengthening the bond of trust; rethink to reorganize health services and vocational training on man's health. We also understand that it is necessary to overcome the biomedical model stimulating health promotion and disease prevention