Programa de Saúde da Família : percepção de adolescentes de um município do Estado do Ceará

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of adolescents about the Family Health Program, analyzing their compliance with health-related actions implemented by the Family Health team, and presenting their suggestions for improving this Program. Methods: A descriptive exploratory study conducted with 27 adolescents in a town in northern Ceará State, Brazil. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, analyzed through the thematization mode proposed by Minayo. Ethical aspects of research with human subjects were respected as per Resolution 196/96. Results: Four categories emerged: adolescents’ knowledge about the FHP; their demands for this service; difficulties noted in the services and suggestions for their reorganization. Conclusion: New strategies are needed to make adolescents feel included in healthcare services, empowering them to act effectively as protagonists of actions that enhance their health. Practitioners should thus develop new skills in order to ensure that this is expressed to adolescent users.