Prevention of systemic arterial hypertension under the perspective of users of a family health unit

Abstract

Objective: understanding how users who attended a group of preventive actions in a Unit Family Health see hypertension and ways to prevent it. Method: this was a descriptive and exploratory study, with a qualitative approach, performed in a Unit of Family Health in João Pessoa/Paraiba, with the participation of 20 users using a semi-structured interview containing questions about demographic profile, knowledge about hypertension and its prevention. The data collected in the interviews were subjected to thematic content categorical analysis. Results: before the questioning of what hypertension is, in 60% of participants there is knowledge about what it is, while 40% do not know what is. Conclusion: it is increasingly necessary providing opportunities for people to gain the autonomy needed for decision-making on matters that affect their health, through knowledge and information.