Health education and methodological devices applied in the care of Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the use of methodological devices for behavioral changes and practice of health education for individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study developed in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil, with 138 professionals, doctors and nurses of the Family Health Strategy, using a structured interview, having as a theoretical-methodological reference the Model of Care to Chronic Conditions. The results showed that most of the professionals referred to developing health education activities, with the most mentioned themes being: healthy eating and physical exercise. Regarding the use of approaches to change the behavior of users, the most used was the motivational interview, followed by the Transtheoretical Model of Change (MTT). All professionals who use MTT agree with its applicability. It is concluded that the practice of health education for people with DM is developed, while the use of methodological devices for behavior changes is still underutilized, especially the Operative Group.