Health education as a care strategy for women with mental disorders, focusing on the use of medications and medicinal plants

Abstract

Health education strengthens the bond between professionals and the community, promoting SUS policies within Primary Health Care. This study evaluated the impact of actions focused on the use of medications and medicinal plants (MP) in mental health care for women attended at a Family Health Unit in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. Discussion groups covered topics such as medications, MP, and home gardens, and questionnaires were administered to assess knowledge gained and reasons for non-adherence. Of the 142 women invited, 32 (22.5%) participated, while 110 (77.5%) did not attend. The sociodemographic profile revealed women over 61 years old, married, with children, retired, and with incomplete primary education. Among participants, 84.4% felt confident in their use of medications, 87.5% reported correct usage, and 40.6% mentioned adverse effects. Although 65.6% were unaware of the properties of medicinal plants (MP), most reported using them, highlighting rosemary, chamomile, and lemongrass for their calming effects (29%), improved sleep (19.3%), and enhanced mood (13%). While 59.4% had medicinal gardens, 76.9% of those without expressed interest, and 100% found the lecture motivating. Reasons for non-adherence included 'being a caregiver' (26.4%), 'external work commitments' (23.6%), 'mobility issues' (19.1%), and 'lack of time' (18.2%). Nevertheless, 90.9% recognized benefits such as increased health knowledge (28%) and improved well-being (25%). Thus, health education initiatives on medications and medicinal plants strengthen the connection with the SUS, promoting accessibility and empowerment, particularly for patients with mental disorders.