Women's perceptions and practices regarding prevention and health promotion in primary healthcare

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the perceptions and participation of female basic health unit users with regard to prevention and health promotion. METHODOLOGICAL PROCEDURES: Qualitative study with 20 users of a family health unit in the municipality of Belo Horizonte, Southeastern Brazil, in 2007. The interview script included questions about the health-disease process and prevention and health promotion. The content analysis technique was used to analyze the reports. RESULTS ANALYSIS: The perception of disease prevention was influenced by Leavell & Clark's theory, which is expressed as actions that avoid the appearance, progression or worsening of disease. Health promotion was regarded as a level of prevention and associated with the individual responsibility and the positive concept of health. Prevention and health promotion practices were influenced by the positive health concept, the possibility of causing pleasure/displeasure, the way in which they might interfere in daily life, by the concept of will-power and the value attributed to life. CONCLUSIONS: The discourse about disease prevention and health promotion is marked by traditional concepts. However, the inclusion of the positive health concept, allied to pleasure and will-power, are the main behavior determinants. Strategies based on a more comprehensive approach to the health-disease process are needed, thus reflecting the modern principles of health promotion.