Propolis: alternative of treatment as phytoterapic in basic units of family health (UBSF)

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from substances collected from various parts of the plant such as bud, flower buds and resinous exudates. The biological activities of propolis make it possible to use it as an alternative treatment for Acute Respiratory Infections (IRA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the intention to use the propolis extract in the Basic Units of Family Health (UBSF) regarding the aspect the acceptability of managers and knowledge / practice of the UBSF team and users, to incorporate as phytotherapeutic technology in the SUS. The research was descriptive of a qualitative-quantitative approach, the qualitative approach used a focus group with 06 managers responsible for basic care in Cáceres. The quantitative approach carried out interviews with the professionals categories in four UBSF units of Cáceres and with mothers of children and the elderly, totaling 160 participants of the UBSF, with the following topics: knowledge and practice related to the use of the propolis extract as a herbal remedy; knowledge about medicinal plants and the intention of using propolis in the complementary treatment of IRAs. The managers did not present acceptability to the use of propolis as a herbal remedy in the basic care network as an alternative treatment. The intention to use propolis as a herbal remedy was not different among the categories of professionals of the UBSF. In conclusion, the managers did not present acceptability to the use of propolis and other phytotherapics in the UBSF as an alternative treatment for ARF, but they were willing to discuss the use of propolis in the UBSF if there is interest in the use of propolis by the community. The professionals categories that work in the UBSF\, the elderly, mothers of children from 1 to 5 years presented restricted knowledge and practice for the use of propolis as a treatment of respiratory diseases. However, the elderly and the mothers of children presented intention to use if the propolis is prescribed by the physician and made available in the UBSF.