Comprehensive health services for working adolescents: lessons learned

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva Vol. 10; no. 4; p. 953
• Main Authors: Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes Asmus, Raymundo, Carmen Maria, Barker, Suyanna Linhales, Carla Cristina Coelho Augusto Pepe, Ruzany, Maria Helena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Rio de Janeiro Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva 01.10.2005
• Subjects: Child labor
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/S1413-81232005000400018

This article presents the collected experiences of the Health Program for Adolescent Workers (PSTA) at the Center for the Study of Adolescent Health at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. In terms of health services, the multidisciplinary team has developed a model of comprehensive health care for adolescent workers that seeks to analyze the causal links between health problems and the work conditions in which these young people are usually involved. In terms of health outreach, the health professionals have been working with a group of adolescent workers to develop a specific health education methodology. This methodology seeks to promote a broad discussion of the meaning of work in a empowering way that transcends the question of work. Based on this innovative experience, the staff was invited by the ILO to develop materials to train other professionals in the topics of health and occupational safety for adolescent workers. Given the current policies in effect in Brazil to eradicate child labor and protect adolescent workers, the experience of this initiative suggests the need for health programs to guarantee the rights of adolescent workers to occupational health and safety.