CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A SÃndrome MetabÃlica (SM) à um transtorno complexo representado por um conjunto de fatores de risco cardiovascular. A elevaÃÃo da mortalidade geral em torno de 1,5 e o aumento da mortalidade por problemas cardiovasculares em 2,5 vezes sÃo alguns dos motivos que comprovam a relevÃncia do problema. Um nÃmero crescente de indivÃduos jovens, em especial os estudantes universitÃrios, tem sido acometido pelo distÃrbio metabÃlico e, atà o momento, nÃo existem estudos com essa parcela da populaÃÃo no Brasil. O objetivo dessa investigaÃÃo foi avaliar a prevalÃncia da SM e de seus componentes individuais numa populaÃÃo de estudantes universitÃrios. AlÃm disso, buscou-se avaliar a influÃncia da Ãrea de formaÃÃo e do perÃodo em que o aluno se encontra no curso na prevalÃncia da SM. Estudo transversal, realizado com 702 universitÃrios pertencentes a uma InstituiÃÃo PÃblica de Ensino Superior de Fortaleza-Brasil, em 2011. Compuseram a amostra estudantes maiores de 18 anos, devidamente matriculados e frequentando cursos de distintas Ãreas do conhecimento, a saber: humanas, exatas, agrÃrias, saÃde, ciÃncias e tecnologia. Inicialmente, os estudantes preencheram um instrumento contendo dados de identificaÃÃo, sociodemogrÃficos e relacionados aos indicadores de saÃde, como prÃtica de exercÃcios fÃsicos, tabagismo e etilismo. Em um segundo momento, foram avaliados os dados antropomÃtricos, altura, peso, circunferÃncia abdominal, Ãndice de massa corporal e pressÃo arterial. Coletas sanguÃneas foram realizadas por um laboratÃrio especializado, respeitando um jejum de doze horas, para glicemia venosa, triglicerÃdeos, HDL-colesterol e LDL-colesterol. O critÃrio utilizado para o diagnÃstico de SM foi do National Cholesterol Education Program â Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). O projeto foi submetido ao Comità de Ãtica em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos do Centro de CiÃncias da SaÃde da Universidade Federal do Cearà e aprovado conforme o protocolo 208/2010. A prevalÃncia da SM foi de 1,7%. Com relaÃÃo aos seus componentes, 30,9% e 12,1% dos estudantes possuÃam, pelo menos, um ou dois deles, respectivamente. A circunferÃncia abdominal, a pressÃo arterial, os nÃveis de glicose sanguÃnea e de triglicerÃdeos estiveram aumentados em 5,6%, 8,3%, 12,1% e, 22,5% dos estudantes, respectivamente. Os nÃveis de HDL-colesterol estiveram diminuÃdos em 12,0% da amostra. Foi encontrada associaÃÃo estatisticamente significante entre a prevalÃncia da SM e o IMC (p=0,000). Os estudantes pertencentes à Ãrea da saÃde apresentaram melhores parÃmetros da circunferÃncia abdominal (p=0,011), pressÃo arterial (p=0,014), glicemia venosa de jejum (p=0,036), HDL-colesterol (p=0,000), IMC (p=0,001) e tabagismo (0,034). Com relaÃÃo ao perÃodo do curso, ficou evidenciado que o uso do Ãlcool à menor nos calouros, quando comparados Ãqueles estudantes que estÃo no final do curso (p=0,000). Conclui-se que a prevalÃncia da SM foi baixa entre os estudantes universitÃrios, entretanto, grande parcela deles possui componentes presentes, aumentando as chances do aparecimento do distÃrbio com o passar dos anos. AlÃm disso, os estudantes pertencentes à Ãrea da saÃde apresentaram menos componentes da SM e melhores indicadores de saÃde. Estudos de intervenÃÃo devem ser realizados na busca de incentivar hÃbitos de vida saudÃveis a todos os universitÃrios, independente da Ãrea de formaÃÃo e perÃodo em que se encontram no curso. / The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder represented by a group of cardiovascular risk factors. The increase in general mortality around 1.5 and the increased mortality from cardiovascular disease in 2.5 times are some of the reasons that prove the relevance of the problem. A growing number of young people, especially college students, have been affected by metabolic disorder, and to date, there are no studies with this portion of the population in Brazil. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and their individual components in a population of college students. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate the influence of the area and the period in which the student is in your course in the MetS prevalence. Cross-sectional study with 702 university students belonging to a Public Institution of Higher Education in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2011. The sample consisted of students over 18 years, duly enrolled and attending courses in different areas of knowledge like: human, exact, agricultural, health and biological sciences and technology. Initially, students filled out an instrument containing data identifying, demographic and related health indicators like a physical exercise, smoking and alcohol. Next, we assessed the anthropometric data, height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index and blood pressure. Blood samples were taken by a specialized laboratory, respecting a fasting for twelve hours to blood glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The criteria used for the diagnosis of MetS was the National Cholesterol Education Program â Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). The project was submitted to the Ethics Committee on Human Research of the Center for Health Sciences of the Federal University of Cearà and approved according to the protocol 208/2010. The prevalence of MetS was 1.7%. With regards to its components, 30.9% and 12.1% of students had at least one or two, respectively. Waist circumference, blood pressure, levels of blood glucose and triglyceride levels were increased by 5.6%, 8.3%, 12.1% and 22.5% of the students, respectively. The levels of HDL-cholesterol were reduced by 12.0% of the sample. We found a statistically significant association between BMI and the prevalence of MetS (p=0,000). Students belonging to the health showed the better parameters of waist circumference (p=0.011), blood pressure (p=0.014), of blood glucose (p=0.036), HDL-cholesterol (p=0.000), BMI (p=0.001) and smoking (0.034). Regarding the period of the course, it was evident that alcohol use is lower among freshmen, compared to those students who are at the end of the course (p = 0.000). We conclude that the prevalence of MetS was lower among college students, however, a large portion of them have components present, increasing the chances of onset of the disorder over the years. Moreover, students belonging to health science had fewer of MetS components and better health indicators. Intervention studies should be conducted in seeking to encourage healthy lifestyles for all students, regardless of the training area and period in which they are in progress.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A qualidade do sono à um poderoso preditor de saÃde, pois està relacionado com o risco para problemas de saÃde crÃnicos, como diabetes mellitus, hipertensÃo, obesidade e a SM. Esta à uma agregaÃÃo de problemas cardiometabÃlicos que eleva substancialmente a morbi-mortalidade humana independente da causa. O grau da relaÃÃo entre SM e a quantidade/qualidade do sono jà està estabelecido em idosos, pessoas de meia idade, operÃrios e atà crianÃas, mas, em adultos jovens, aparentemente saudÃveis, ainda à desconhecido. Dessa forma, o objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi analisar a relaÃÃo entre SM e indicadores de saÃde com a qualidade do sono de universitÃrios de Fortaleza-CearÃ. Pesquisa observacional, quantitativa, com desenho transversal. Foram avaliados 701 universitÃrios de 24 cursos das seis Ãreas de conhecimento da UFC entre marÃo e junho de 2011 em duas etapas. Na primeira, os alunos preencheram um instrumento sobre indicadores sociodemogrÃficos, de saÃde e uma versÃo validada e adaptada, aos padrÃes brasileiros, do Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Numa data posterior, com os alunos em jejum por doze horas, coletaram-se os seguintes dados bioquÃmicos: glicemia venosa de jejum, triglicerÃdeos, LDL-C, HDL-C e o cortisol. Nessa mesma ocasiÃo, foram mensurados pressÃo arterial, circunferÃncia abdominal, peso corporal e altura. Analisaram-se os componentes da SM consoante o critÃrio da NCEP-ATP III. Os dados sofreram tripla digitaÃÃo e foram analisados no software STATA versÃo 8.0. Parcela substancial dos universitÃrios eram maus dormidores (95,2%) enquanto uma minoria tinha SM (1,6%). Os alunos com menor duraÃÃo do sono foram os da Ãrea de agrÃrias (6,24h DP 1,23h) e tecnologia (6,29h DP 1,24) (p=0,04). Grande maioria dos alunos maus dormidores (39%) tinha uma renda supeior a seis salÃrios mÃnimos (p=0,03). Os universitÃrios que moravam sozinhos (IC-95%- 1,03-1,08) (p<0,001) ou com os pais, (p<0,020), com idade &#8805; 30 anos (IC95%-1,02-1,07) (p<0,001), com mÃdio risco para etilismo (IC95%-1,03-1,07) (p<0,001) e os fumantes diÃrios (IC95%-1,02-1,06) (p<0,001) apresentavam uma chance superior a 1,05, 1,05,1,05, 104 e 1,05, respectivamente, de possuir mà qualidade do sono. Praticamente todos os alunos com cortisol elevado (96,1%) tinham sono com eficiÃncia de 65-74% (p=0,02). Hà um aumento de 5% na probabilidade de universitÃrios maus dormidores apresentarem SM (RP=1,05; IC 95%:1,03-1,07) (p=0,013). Estes alunos tambÃm possuem uma chance superior a 1,05 de apresentar glicemia elevada (RP=1,05; IC95%-1,03-1,07) (p<0,001). NÃo houve correlaÃÃo estatisticamente significante entre os componentes da SM isolados e o PSQI. Portanto, os universitÃrios maus dormidores possuem uma probabilidade maior de apresentar SM comparativamente aos bons dormidores. à importante que os profissionais de saÃde considerem a avaliaÃÃo da qualidade do sono desses jovens na prevenÃÃo e combate à SM, assim como na elaboraÃÃo de estratÃgias individualizadas para a promoÃÃo da saÃde deles. / The quality of sleep is a powerful predictor of health, because it is related with the risk for chronic health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and metabolic syndrome. This is an aggregation of cardio-metabolic problems that substantially increases human morbidity and mortality from any cause. The level of relationship between MS and the quantity/quality of sleep is already established in the elderly, middle-aged people, workers and even children, but in young adults, apparently healthy, is still unknown. Thus, the objective of this research was to analyze the relationship between MS and health indicators with the quality of sleep university in Fortaleza-CearÃ. Observational quantitative research using cross-sectional design. We evaluated 701 college students from 24 courses in the six areas of knowledge of the UFC between March and June 2011 in two stages. In the first, students filled an instrument on socio-demographic and health indicators and a validated version adapted to Brazilian standards from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. In a posterior date with students fasted for twelve hours, we collected the following biochemical data: fasting venous plasma glucose, plasma triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C and cortisol. On the same occasion, we measured blood pressure, waist circumference, height and weight. We analyzed the components of MS based on the NCEP-ATP III. Data were triple typed and analyzed in STATA software version 8.0. A substantial amount of the college students were poor sleepers (95.2%) while a minority had MS (1.6%). Students with shorter sleep duration were in the area of land sciences (6.24h SD  1.23 h) and technology (6.29 h SD  1.24) (p=0.04). Most of the poor sleepers students (39%) had an income above six minimum wages (p=0.03). The students who lived alone (95% CI - 1.03-1.08) (p<0.001) or with parents (p<0.020), age &#8805; 30 years (95% CI - 1.02-1.07) (p<0.001), with average risk for alcoholism (95% CI - 1.03-1.07) (p<0.001) and daily smokers (95% CI - 1.02-1.06) (p<0.001) presented a chance of having poor sleep quality more than 1.05, 1.05, 1.05, 1.04 and 1.05, respectively. Virtually all students with elevated cortisol levels (96.1%) had sleep efficiency with 65-74% (p=0.02). There is a 5% increase in the probability of poor sleepers college students develop MS (PR = 1.05, 95% :1,03-1, 07) (p = 0.013). These students also have a chance greater than 1.05 to present high glucose (PR=1.05; 95% CI â 1.03-1.07) (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between the individual components of MS and the PSQI. Therefore, the college students poor sleepers have a higher relative risk of presenting SM compared to good sleepers. It is important that health professionals consider the assessment of sleep quality of these young people to prevent and combat MS, as well as in developing individualized strategies to promote their health.

Background South Africa is experiencing a massive HIV epidemic that together with the new epidemic of non-communicable diseases is directly affecting the health and wellbeing of older people. For policy makers, there is a crucial need for information on how this dual epidemic is evolving and how this may affect older people's health, mortality and health care needs. 2. Aims To better understand factors that influence the health, wellbeing and survival of older people, and their need for care in rural South Africa at a time of a growing dual epidemic of chronic diseases (non-communicable and communicable). To provide information which may assist in the planning of health services for older people. 3. Methods Applying the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) and a study on HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCD), we investigated the health, wellbeing and mortality of the population 50 years and older in the Agincourt sub-district in north-east South Africa which is underpinned by health and demographic surveillance. A random sample of the population 50 years and older was selected for the SAGE survey. A random sample of the population 15 years and older was selected for the HIV and NCD study. All available adults 50 plus were invited to participate in the SAGE module in the 2006 census round. We assessed self-reported health, anthropometric measures, blood pressure and HIV status using dried blood spots. Statistical analysis included simple frequencies, univariate and multivariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. 4. Findings The usual pattern of mortality, of increasing death rates with age, is not observed in this population, where those in their 50s have higher mortality compared to older age groups. The high prevalence of HIV in this age group (50 to 59) appears to be the main explanation for the observed pattern. Hypertension affects two thirds of this older population and, although there are no differences by gender, women are more aware of their condition. This is reflected in more women attending primary health care services. Reporting lower quality of life and greater disability are associated with higher likelihood of death. We observed gender differences in the process of ageing with women reporting higher prevalence of mortality risk factors but living longer than men, a phenomenon known as the "survival paradox".

Introdução: Recentes estudos apontam inatividade física e comportamento sedentário como dois fatores de risco distintos para desfechos em saúde. Avaliar fatores associados a este comportamento numa população é importante na identificação dos segmentos mais vulneráveis. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e características associadas a exposição à CS em adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 2.512 participantes do Inquérito de Saúde no município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital) 2015, com idade entre 20 e 65 anos. Variáveis socioeconômicas, ambientais e de condições de saúde foram consideradas neste estudo. Utilizou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, (IPAQ) para coletar dados referentes à variável dependente que foram inicialmente analisados na sua forma contínua. Estimou-se a prevalência de CS dicotomizando-se o tempo sentado total pela mediana. Resultado: A mediana de tempo sentado total para amostra foi de 180 min/dia. As variáveis que após ajuste permaneceram associadas com exposição a CS foram: escolaridade (RP=1,41; IC95% 1,35-1,48); estado conjugal (RP= 1,05; IC95% 1,02-1,08); segurança no bairro ( RP= 0,96; IC95% 0,93-0,99); faixa etária ( RP=0,91; IC95% 0,87-0,95); renda ( RP=1,07 ; IC95% 1,00-1,15); auto percepção de saúde (RP= 1,03 IC 95% 1,01-1,07) e sexo masculino (RP=0,96; IC95% 0,94-0,99) Conclusão: Indivíduos mais jovens, homens, com maior escolaridade, maior renda, que residem em bairros considerados seguros, não casados e que tem auto percepção negativa de sua saúde, estão entre os mais vulneráveis a CS nesta população. Considerando o emergente desafio de lidar com o comportamento sedentário como um fator de risco diferente e independente da prática de atividade física ressalta-se a importância de investimentos voltados não apenas para o aumento do nível de AF, como também para a redução do tempo sentado / Introduction: Recent studies have pointed to physical inactivity and sedentary behavior (SB) as two separate risk factors for health outcomes. Evaluating factors associated with this behavior in a population is important to help identify the most vulnerable sub-groups. Objective: To identify the prevalence and characteristics associated with exposure to SB in adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 2,512 participants aged between 20 and 65 from the municipality of Sao Paulo Health Survey (ISA-Capital) 2015. Socioeconomic, environmental and health conditions variables were considered in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to collect data relating to the dependent variable that were firstly analyzed in their continuous form. The prevalence of SB was estimated by splitting the total sitting time (TST), as being above the median. Result: The median of total sitting time in the sample was 180 minutes per day. The variables that remained associated with exposure to SB after adjustment were: scholarity (PR=1.41; IC95% 1.35-1.48); marital status (PR= 1.05; CI95% 1.02-1.08); security in the neighborhood (PR= 0.96; CI95% 0.93-0.99); age (PR=0.91; IC95% 0.87-0.95); income (PR=1.07 ; CI95% 1.00-1.15); self-perception of health (PR= 1.03 CI 95% 1.01-1.07) and gender (PR=0.96; CI95% 0.94-0.99). Conclusion: Individuals who were younger, men, with higher scholarity, higher income, residents in neighborhoods that are considered to be safe, not married and who have a negative self-perception of health are among the most vulnerable to SB in this population. Dealing with sedentary behavior as a risk factor independent of physical activity is considered to be an emergent challenge. As such it is important that investments are made not only in increasing physical activity but also in reducing sitting time

The complexity and lack of coordination of the U.S. health care system is especially challenging for older adults, many of whom have multiple chronic conditions. The faith community is a potential partner to assist them, due to strong religiosity of older adults and specific characteristics of faith communities. This study explores the knowledge and practices of faith community nurses (FCNs) in meeting care coordination needs of older adults and identifies a model of gap-filling by FCN practice. An approach combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. A survey was distributed to all known FCNs in Kentucky. From the 60 respondents, 15 FCNs were selected for personal interviews, and six care recipients were also interviewed. Survey data revealed a relatively older workforce, M=57 years, with 73% in nursing for more than 20 years. All served as FCNs in their own congregations, mostly as volunteers. FCNs relied on informal rather than formal assessments, with little consistency in type of health-related information obtained from congregants. The combined interview data revealed themes including, strong grounding in faith, sense of congregational family, reliance on general nursing assessment skills, intentional empowerment, bridging expanses, trust, and continuity. Findings suggest that FCNs in Kentucky identify and fill significant gaps in health care for older adults. Spirituality and religious rituals were important for FCNs and those they served. Congregants sought out FCNs to answer questions, interpret medical information, and assist with health care interactions. The stability of the FCNs in the lives of congregations was regarded as important; congregants counted on FCNs presence through transitions in health. A model to explain FCN intervention was developed based on integration of a social ecological perspective with the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. This model reflects contextual factors that occur throughout nested environments that surround each individual, including immediate family, congregational family, health and social care systems, and societal policies. FCNs serve as a bridge between and among these nested environments, connecting them and facilitating change within each level.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2003. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Feb. 15, 2006). "May, 2003." Includes bibliographical references.

Introdução: Recentes estudos apontam inatividade física e comportamento sedentário como dois fatores de risco distintos para desfechos em saúde. Avaliar fatores associados a este comportamento numa população é importante na identificação dos segmentos mais vulneráveis. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e características associadas a exposição à CS em adultos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, envolvendo 2.512 participantes do Inquérito de Saúde no município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital) 2015, com idade entre 20 e 65 anos. Variáveis socioeconômicas, ambientais e de condições de saúde foram consideradas neste estudo. Utilizou-se o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física, (IPAQ) para coletar dados referentes à variável dependente que foram inicialmente analisados na sua forma contínua. Estimou-se a prevalência de CS dicotomizando-se o tempo sentado total pela mediana. Resultado: A mediana de tempo sentado total para amostra foi de 180 min/dia. As variáveis que após ajuste permaneceram associadas com exposição a CS foram: escolaridade (RP=1,41; IC95% 1,35-1,48); estado conjugal (RP= 1,05; IC95% 1,02-1,08); segurança no bairro ( RP= 0,96; IC95% 0,93-0,99); faixa etária ( RP=0,91; IC95% 0,87-0,95); renda ( RP=1,07 ; IC95% 1,00-1,15); auto percepção de saúde (RP= 1,03 IC 95% 1,01-1,07) e sexo masculino (RP=0,96; IC95% 0,94-0,99) Conclusão: Indivíduos mais jovens, homens, com maior escolaridade, maior renda, que residem em bairros considerados seguros, não casados e que tem auto percepção negativa de sua saúde, estão entre os mais vulneráveis a CS nesta população. Considerando o emergente desafio de lidar com o comportamento sedentário como um fator de risco diferente e independente da prática de atividade física ressalta-se a importância de investimentos voltados não apenas para o aumento do nível de AF, como também para a redução do tempo sentado / Introduction: Recent studies have pointed to physical inactivity and sedentary behavior (SB) as two separate risk factors for health outcomes. Evaluating factors associated with this behavior in a population is important to help identify the most vulnerable sub-groups. Objective: To identify the prevalence and characteristics associated with exposure to SB in adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 2,512 participants aged between 20 and 65 from the municipality of Sao Paulo Health Survey (ISA-Capital) 2015. Socioeconomic, environmental and health conditions variables were considered in this study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to collect data relating to the dependent variable that were firstly analyzed in their continuous form. The prevalence of SB was estimated by splitting the total sitting time (TST), as being above the median. Result: The median of total sitting time in the sample was 180 minutes per day. The variables that remained associated with exposure to SB after adjustment were: scholarity (PR=1.41; IC95% 1.35-1.48); marital status (PR= 1.05; CI95% 1.02-1.08); security in the neighborhood (PR= 0.96; CI95% 0.93-0.99); age (PR=0.91; IC95% 0.87-0.95); income (PR=1.07 ; CI95% 1.00-1.15); self-perception of health (PR= 1.03 CI 95% 1.01-1.07) and gender (PR=0.96; CI95% 0.94-0.99). Conclusion: Individuals who were younger, men, with higher scholarity, higher income, residents in neighborhoods that are considered to be safe, not married and who have a negative self-perception of health are among the most vulnerable to SB in this population. Dealing with sedentary behavior as a risk factor independent of physical activity is considered to be an emergent challenge. As such it is important that investments are made not only in increasing physical activity but also in reducing sitting time

Por intermédio deste procurou-se identificar nexos que evidenciassem adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial nos modos de vida dos usuários portadores de hipertensão arterial; compreender as relações dialéticas da assistência prestada pela Unidade de Saúde da Família expressa por contradições e congruências no modo de vida destes e elaborar um programa educativo segundo pedagogia emancipatória fundada nos pressupostos teóricos de Paulo Freire, com temas referentes às necessidades evidenciadas pelos usuários portadores de hipertensão arterial. O fenômeno modo de vida foi apreendido sob o referencial teórico-metodológico do materialismo histórico e dialético. As entrevistas realizadas com 11 usuários portadores de hipertensão arterial foram submetidas ao procedimento de análise de discurso, que revelou o modo de vida destes usuários representado pelos temas: crenças, sentimentos, para além do individual, controle pressórico, descontrole pressórico e causa da hipertensão arterial. Estes temas foram analisados frente às categorias dialéticas o subjetivo e o objetivo e processo saúde-doença-cuidado. Para estes usuários portadores de hipertensão arterial a vida cotidiana se apresenta com inúmeras contradições referentes ao tratamento necessário e a doença que não é assumida como doença; necessidade de modificações em hábitos e valores humanos que se contrapõem às essas modificações; impossibilidade concreta de controle dos níveis pressóricos decorrente de situações do modo de vida como o nervosismo, problemas familiares e financeiros. Ao identificar contradições do modo de vida destes usuários, este estudo apresenta uma proposta de melhoria da adesão ao tratamento da hipertensão arterial por meio da educação emancipatória nos pressupostos de Paulo Freire. É necessário que a enfermagem reconheça e se aproxime desta realidade e de modo ético transforme sua prática profissional no sentido de propiciar caminhos de maior autonomia aos usuários portadores de hipertensão arterial assistidos pelas enfermeiras. / This study intended to identify, in the way of life of hypertensive patients, connections which could clarify their compliance of hypertension treatment, to understand dialectical relationship of the assistance offered by a Family Healthcare Program expressed through contradictions and coincidences in the patients\' way of life, and to create an educative program according to the emancipatory pedagogy based on Paulo Freire\'s conception of emancipatory education, with themes related to hypertensive patients\' required needs. The phenomenon \"way of life\" was grasped on the grounds of the theoretical and methodological aspects of the historical and dialectical materialism. The interviews, held with 11 hypertensive patients, were submitted to the analysis of the speech procedures, which showed the way of life of these patients. It can be represented by the following: beliefs, feelings, beyond-individual, under-control pressure, out-of-control pressure and hypertension causes These categories were analyzed according to dialectical categories - the subjective and the objective - and the health-illness-care process. Hypertensive patients\' daily life shows many contradictions related to the treatment needed and the illness not assumed as it is; the need of changing habits and human values which oppose to these changes; the real impossibility of controlling pressure levels due to daily life conditions such as nervousness and financial and familiar problems. Once many contradictions in these patients\' way of life have been identified, this study sugests the improvement of the acceptance of hypertension treatment by means of emancipatory education, according to Paulo Freire\'s theory. Nursing has to accept this reality, approach to it, and ethically change its own practice in order to show hypertensive patients under the care of nurses a better way towards their autonomy.