HEALTHCARE AND THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES IN THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY: THE PERSPECTIVE OF ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The study’s objective was to study how adolescents see healthcare and the demand for services in the Family Health Strategy. Data was collected via interviews, carried out with twenty adolescents from a state school in Barbalha-Ceará, Brazil, between June and August 2009. Material was organized by themes identified in the discourse. Evidence was found that adolescents approach the Family Health Units principally when sick, that they do not feel part of the service, and that they express a desire for activities which would lead to greater participation. It was ascertained that there is still a need for organization of the Health Teams’ work processes with a view to involve this clientele, as well as to consolidate policy directed at adolescent health.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Primary health care
• Care