Occupational Health and Environmental Health: potentials and challenges of the relationship between the university, the Brazilian Health System and social movements

Abstract

Objective  to analyze the difficulties and potentials of articulation between the University, the Unified Health System (SUS) and social movements in order to promote the incorporation of integrated approach to Occupational Health and Environmental Health in these instances.

Methods  action research conducted in the rural area of northeastern Brazil with a group of actors linked to the SUS, the University and social movements. Field studies, semi-structured interviews, workshops and thematic seminars were carried out.

Results  the proposed articulation has proved to be relevant and enhanced by the opportunity for interdisciplinary and intersectoral dialogue, as well as by the exchange of experiences, which contributed to the identification of relationships between production-work-environment-health and health needs that involve work and environment in rural territory; the collective construction of an action plan aiming to intervene in this reality; the redefinition of academic and health work; and to deconstruct the myths of the development ideology facing the social actors involved. Professors who develop critical thinking, autonomous social movements and community health workers were identified as relevant actors.

Conclusion  The articulation between university, SUS and social movements is a potential way to strengthen the practice of Occupational and Environmental Health.

Occupational Health; Environmental Health; Unified Health System; social participation; higher education institutions