Promoção da saúde e intervenção social com crianças e jovens com VIH: programa lúdico-educativo com pares e cuidadores

Abstract

The article analyzes the program “A Brincar também se Aprende” [Learning through Playing], for children and young people with HIV and their families. There were 687 participants in 17 editions: 459 children and youth infected and affected by the diseaseand and 228 informal caregivers. Methodologically, the evaluation used the participants’ testimonies content analysis in 6 editions. Five main categories emerged, and the first three were the most mentioned: 1) Evaluation of the initiative, dynamics and planning; 2) Promotion of integration and interpersonal relationships; 3) Promotion of care and well-being; 4) Social support; 5) Strengthening and Valorization. The outcomes empirically support the program, and motivates it’s application in other social intervention contexts for children and youth affected with chronic illness, given the large potential in promoting health and psychosocial well-being.