Grupos de promoção à saúde no desenvolvimento da autonomia, condições de vida e saúde

Abstract

This article presents the methodology of Health Promotion Groups, which were conceived as a means of contributing towards developing autonomy, improving living conditions and promoting health. The method is identified as a collective and interdisciplinary health intervention, consisting of a group process. It guides the development of attitudes and behavioral patterns towards continually transforming participants' health levels and living conditions. The Health Promotion Groups are identified within the context of the National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) as a means of surpassing the biomedical model. It stimulates the development of actions in which the positive aspects of health are emphasized, while at the same time it can serve to more effectively meet the demands for care for the elderly in health systems. © 2006 Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de Sao Paulo.