University extension as a health promotion tool in rural settlements

Abstract

Extension work is one of the pillars of the university, constituting an important activity that benefits students and the community. This extension project aimed to provide knowledge, information, and assistance for health promotion, in a community of rural settlers in the interior of Santa Catarina state, with the participation of students from the areas of Nursing and Dentistry. Activities including health guidance, analysis of anthropometric data for adults and children, and games designed to promote health were performed between 2016 and 2017. It was concluded that communities living in settlements need greater public investment in health, since problems of hygiene, oral health, and poor food quality were observed. The university extension proved to be an excellent opportunity to bring students and society together, strengthening health promotion.