Counseling on healthy ways of life in Primary Health Care

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201741018697

Abstract

Introduction: Counseling is process guidance of health professionals that enables the construction of healthy lifestyles
and health promotion. Aim: To check the performance of primary healthcare professionals on counseling healthy ways of
living, according to the perception of users, and the factors associated with this practice. Method: A sectional study was
conducted with users of the Basic Health Unit of Belo Horizonte, MG. Food consumption was assessed with the use of a
food-frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic data, morbidity, medication use, physical activity, and anthropometric
measurements were collected, as were reported receipt of counseling about healthy ways of living (healthy eating
and physical activity). Aspects associated with receiving counseling were identified by Poisson regression. Results and
Discussion: There was an insufficient frequency of receiving counseling (40.8%), according to users (n=417). Individuals
with hypertension (PR:1.30; 95%CI: 1.03; 1.66) or hypercholesterolemia (PR:1.62; 95%CI: 1.28; 2.05), presenting
adequate intake of processed spices (PR:1.40; 95%CI: 1.11; 1.78) and participating in the Academia da Saúde Program
(PR:1.85; 95%CI: 1.45; 2.36) were more counseled. Conclusion: Counseling on healthy ways of living needs to be
revised in order to promote equity and integrality of health care, given the role and the potential of primary health care.