AUTOCUIDADO EM SAÚDE E A LITERACIA PARA PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE E A PREVENÇÃO DE DOENÇAS CRÔNICAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE.

Abstract

The online course "Self-Care in Health and Health Literacy for Health Promotion and Prevention of Chronic Diseases in Primary Health Care (PHC)" was developed with the objective of training health professionals and the general community on the importance of self-care and health literacy. This course aims to promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, by strengthening PHC. (FIOCRUZ, 2024). The course is structured into modules that address various aspects of self-care and health literacy. Initially, an overview of health promotion is presented, highlighting its dynamic nature and continuous evolution to respond to societal needs and challenges. Initially focused on disease prevention, health promotion has expanded its scope to include creating conditions that enable individuals and communities to control and improve their health. This involves not only health education but also the creation of healthy public policies, supportive environments, community action, and personal skill development. Health promotion requires an intersectoral approach, involving different sectors of society, such as education, transportation, housing, and the environment, working together to create an environment that supports health and well-being. This contrasts with the traditional approach that focuses on the causes of diseases (pathogenesis). Health literacy, in turn, refers to individuals' ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make informed decisions. It is a key component of health promotion as it directly influences people's ability to navigate the healthcare system, follow medical recommendations, and adopt healthy behaviors. (FIOCRUZ, 2024). Subsequently, the course discusses disease prevention, a fundamental pillar of Primary Health Care (PHC). It focuses on reducing risks and early detection of conditions that could lead to diseases. Public health policies integrated with PHC are essential for creating environments that support health by implementing actions such as vaccination, educational campaigns, and screening programs. (FIOCRUZ, 2024). Thus, it is concluded that PHC plays a crucial role as the first point of contact for individuals within the healthcare system, facilitating access to preventive services and promoting healthy lifestyles. (FIOCRUZ, 2024).