Group practices of the family health support center: Users’ perspective

Abstract

This is a qualitative and exploratory research that aims to assess the perception of the users of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) on group practices developed by the Family Health Support Center (FHSC). The sample consisted of 27 individuals participating in group activities, which were developed in five FHSs supported by a FHSC team from the municipality. The data were collected through interviews conducted via a semi-structured script on the topics: knowledge of the activities developed by FHSC; characteristics of activities; benefits arising from participation in group activities; period of participation; frequency of activity; and relationship with professionals. The data were analyzed according to the content analysis by Bardin. The majority of respondents were motivated by therapeutic and social benefits, as well as satisfied with the accessibility to the service and the results achieved through participation in group practices. We concluded that the users have a positive perception of the group practices offered by the FHSC, highlighting the satisfactory therapeutic results, creating affective bonds, providing the strengthening of interpersonal relations, well-being and improving in their quality of life as well.