The work of physical education professionals in Family Health Support Centers (NASF): a national survey

Abstract

This is a descriptive and quantitative national survey aimed at presenting Health Education practices (HE) developed by Physical Education professionals working at NASF in Brazil. Overall, 296 professionals participated in this study, stratified by Brazilian regions and NASF groupings. Electronic interviews were conducted regarding the activities developed at the unity where each NASF professional worked. The main activities reported were gymnastics (40.1%), and walking (29.4%), having as their priority public elderly people (68.8%), groups of hypertensive and diabetic patients (30.9%) and young people (48.3%), respectively. The most discussed topics in lectures and orientations was the importance of physical activity (51.4%) and the second most cited was the prevention/treatment of comorbities (32.3%). The community spaces most utilized by Physical Education professionals to develop activities were: public squares, community centers and schools in the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil, and religious entities in the northeastern and Midwestern regions. In conclusion, in spite of the diversity of activities developed in different regions of Brazil, there is predominance of traditional Physical Education contents, which reflect the need of permanent education of such professionals to improve the quality of services offered to the community.