PARTICIPATION OF THE SABUCOMU EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE FORMATION OF UNDERGRADUATE HEALTH STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: To outline a quantitative profile of the students participating of SaBuComu extension project and evaluate its impact on health training focused on humanization, citizenship values, organizational skills and student leadership. Material and Methods: This study used an inductive approach, with historical procedure and documentary technique by means of field diaries and questionnaires with open questions. Results: According to the field diaries (n=45), the frequencies of records and the number of registered activities of each student ranged between 25-108 and 21-99, respectively. There was a predominance of reports about the meetings (22). The most frequently reported activities were: vaccination campaigns against hepatitis B (13.0%), drawings and paintings (9.0%), and collages (7.7%). The most frequent types of participation included interaction with children (19.3%), explanation on the topics addressed in the activities (16.8%) and advertising of the hepatitis B vaccination campaign (10.7%). The problems addressed more often were: health issues (9.5%), uncontrolled children (9.1%) and fight among children (7.0%). Among the 273 registered issues, 48.7% remained unsolved. Based on the questionnaires (n = 6), it was found that the project contributes to extend the concept of health, form more humane professionals, encourage participation in scientific research, and develop student autonomy. Conclusion: There was a variation in the number of records by each student, as well as a diversity of types of activities and participation beyond the plurality of the problems found. The project contributes to health education, changing the perception of concepts and realities through experiences. It is reported to encourage the involvement of students in scientific research, although some of them reported difficulties in developing autonomy in the project. DESCRIPTORS Health Education. Community-Institutional Relations. Public Health.