PROMOTING BASIC ADOLESCENT HEALTH IN THE JARDIM PRIMAVERA TERRITORY, DUQUE DE CAXIAS, RJ

Abstract

Adolescence represents a phase of intense physical, emotional, and social transformations, being an important period for the development of habits related to self-care, self-esteem, and quality of life. In this context, this extension project aimed to promote knowledge about daily life activities, hygiene, health, and future perspectives among adolescents in the Jardim Primavera area, Duque de Caxias, RJ. The action was developed by second-year medical students in the Interdisciplinary Practices of Extension, Research, and Teaching II course, with 30 students aged 16 to 17 from Colégio Hélio Rangel. The intervention included the application of pre- and post-questionnaires, an educational activity, and a workshop focused on reflection on self-care, self-esteem, and life projects. The results demonstrated an improvement in the participants' understanding after the intervention, especially regarding the relationship between hygiene habits and self-esteem, which increased from 83.3% to 93.3%, and regarding proper handwashing, whose knowledge increased from 23.3% to 90%. There was also an increased awareness of menstrual hygiene, sexual health, and respectful relationships. It is concluded that the action contributed to strengthening knowledge related to health promotion and highlighted the school as a strategic space for educational practices aimed at the well-being and autonomy of adolescents.