Challenges and Potentialities of the School Health Program in the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the implementation of the School Health Program, identifying the actions developed, as well as factors that influence professional practice in daily life and strategies adopted by health professionals in view of the limitations found. The exploratory-descriptive case study method was used, with a qualitative approach. The study was carried out with 20 health professionals, program directors, in a family clinic in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, containing specific questions and open questions that discussed the topic. Data were analyzed using the Bardin technique. The results were grouped into categories and found the predominance of actions focused on biological and hygienist determinants, confirming the distance from the expanded concept of health in health promotion practices. The problems encountered refer to the scarcity of material and human resources, lack of training and continuing education, lack of planning and organizational infrastructure, violence in the territory, in addition to the pandemic period experienced during the study. On the other hand, the consolidation of the relationship between health and school emerged, demonstrating the presence of intersectoral dialogue and the incorporation of health actions in the school routine.

Keywords:
School Health Program; Health Promotion; Family Health Strategy