WhatsApp use in a health education group with women

Uso de WhatsApp en un grupo de educación en salud con mujeres

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies and the interaction in a health education group with women on WhatsApp.

Methodology:  Descriptive-exploratory, qualitative research with mothers assisted in two Basic Health Units in Sinop - MT, part of a University Extension Project that used three health education strategies (“G-Day”, “Health Tips”, and “Educational Video”) and project team members. Data were collected between October and December 2021 from messages in the WhatsApp group and submitted to Thematic Content Analysis.

Results:  Two categories were identified, showing the information provided by the team and specific information requested by the mothers; the doubts expressed by the mothers mobilized the communication-interaction among the participants and little to no interaction was provoked by the health information contained in the educational strategies used.

Final consideration:  WhatsApp proved to be an important resource/strategy in communication-interaction for health education with women.

Keywords: Information technology; Health education; Women's health; Primary health care.