Concepções e práticas pedagógicas de professoras do ensino fundamental acerca da prevenção de doenças na infância

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify teachers' conceptions and pedagogical methods about the prevention of childhood diseases. This is a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study, in which 13 teachers from two public schools from the early years of primary school participated. A paper questionnaire and a field diary were used as data collection tools. The data were analyzed by content analysis. The most frequently mentioned categories indicated that the prevention of diseases in childhood can be related to avoiding the disease; and the way to carry out this prevention is related to educational actions. As for the themes addressed in the classroom, food and hygiene were the most prominent.  The method for approaching the theme was mostly dialogical, and the student's developmental stage and the necessities of the class were considered in the project planning. As ways to enhance the approach to disease prevention at school, the educators mentioned intersectoral actions and attractive teaching resources. As a theme for ongoing training, childhood diseases in general emerged more frequently, and specifically, mental health as a theme. However, the educational conceptions and practices of the participants of this study were related to the avoidance of disease through educational actions, and for continuing education the emergent need was mental health in infancy.