Nursing and university extension in health education in the school context: an experience report

Abstract

Objective: The general objective of the intervention was to integrate health and education actions in the school community, with a view to preventing Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD). Specifically, we sought to assess the health of the participants using indicators such as blood glucose, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), as well as promoting educational activities to raise awareness of these issues. Methods: The study was carried out in two phases: (1) measurement of vital signs, including capillary glycemia, blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference, with the aim of identifying possible cardiometabolic risks; and (2) an educational workshop in the form of a gymkhana, addressing the themes of diabetes, hypertension and obesity. The methodologies used included playful and participatory techniques, such as the use of an interactive human board to facilitate learning. Results: The results indicated that most of the participants had normal values for the parameters assessed. The human board workshop proved to be effective in engaging the students and facilitating their understanding of the topics, promoting a collaborative learning environment. Conclusion: The intervention achieved its objectives by integrating education and health, promoting awareness of NCD prevention in a dynamic and engaging format. The playful approach was effective in stimulating student involvement and facilitating the assimilation of health-related content.