The look of teenagers about health: a study on social representation

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 14; no. 2; pp. 627 - 634
• Main Authors: Luiza Maria Figueira Cromack, Bursztyn, Ivani, Luiz Fernando Rangel Tura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Rio de Janeiro Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva 01.03.2009
• Subjects: Brazil; Rio de Janeiro Brazil
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232009000200031

Studying the social representations elaborated by adolescents aims to define a purpose to evaluate the Adolescent Healthcare Program (PROSAD) in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The study is based on the Social Representation Theory using its structural approach. A word evocation test and a questionnaire with closed and open questions have been used. Participants were 1843 pupils, 12 to 18 year old from the 10 programmatic areas of the city. A comparison have been made between 12/13 and 17/18 year-old group. The study found as common components at the central core important, feeding, doctors and hospital. Common components of the peripheral system were only body and sex. By associating the representation and practices in health it is not intended to reinforce the belief about a direct relationship between social representations and practices, but to stress the regulatory function of the representation, a practical knowledge which provides a frame for opinions, attitudes and behaviors. To the PROSAD remains the challenge of demonstrating to professionals these RSS, in order to improve participation and partnership that allow to check different points of view, making service suitable to user. As well to provide forums to support adolescent to discuss their role as citizens in evaluating and reorienting the service offered.