ABSTRACT
Differences between the concept of promotion and prevention are unclear to some health professionals, including doctors and medical students. This study aimed to critically question the concept of health promotion groups to contribute to the development of professional autonomy, so that they are able to critically evaluate how they have executed health education and reflect on new practices. Six meetings were held in the format of culture circles with primary health care professionals. After this work the group understood the difference between promotion and prevention. Promotion was understood as living conditions, citizenship, habitation, family dynamics, as a process that leads to the development of coping skills, and the ability to care, discuss, listen, accept, opine and offer. The professionals concluded that it is necessary to develop both group and individual autonomy, to listen to the community to understand their needs, retrieve knowledge held by the people and see health as a whole. Biological factors were related to prevention, whereas psychological and social factors were associated to promotion. The group is an important tool for health promotion and should have a methodology of critical questioning.
Health Education; Medical Education; Focus Groups; Health Professionals; Personal Autonomy