Combined hypertension and oral cancer campaigns in primary health care: a multiprofessional experience report

Abstract

This article presents a qualitative, descriptive study of the experience-report type concerning the implementation of a combined campaign addressing arterial hypertension and oral cancer by a Family Health Strategy (FHS) team from a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this experience report is to describe the work process of the multidisciplinary team and discuss the results obtained from the implementation of the combined campaign. The intervention took place in April 2024 and included medical consultations, examination scheduling, waiting-room activities, healthy eating promotion, and dental assessments. Users were invited through home visits conducted by Community Health Workers (CHWs) and through invitations disseminated via digital media. Of the 305 users identified as having arterial hypertension, 268 were invited to participate, and only 23 attended the campaign. The campaign adherence rate was only 8%. Although combined campaigns aim to promote health, prevent health problems, and contribute to longitudinal care, the low adherence rate was a relevant finding that enabled the health team to identify factors that may be associated with low participation, such as incompatible schedules and limited perception of the disease. These aspects should be considered when planning future campaigns.