THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN THE CONTEXT OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION ON SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: A LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/arev7n8-295Keywords:
Social Determinants of Health, Health Education, Higher Education, Professional Training, Interdisciplinary EducationAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the importance of training health professionals in university education for addressing the social determinants of health (SDH), highlighting its benefits, challenges, and implications for critical and comprehensive health education. METHODOLOGY: This is a literature review conducted between January and July 2025, based on the methodological guidelines of Galvão, Pansani, and Harrad, and the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was carried out in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, using the PICo strategy to define the research question. Studies from the last five years, with free access and full text, addressing university-level training related to SDH, were included. Ten studies were selected after analysis by independent reviewers, following eligibility criteria and methodological rigor. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The studies revealed that university training on SDH strengthens competencies such as empathy, active listening, communication, and cultural sensitivity. This training contributes to collaborative practices, preventive and intersectoral actions, and fosters critical and ethical awareness among professionals. However, challenges remain, including institutional resistance, lack of trained faculty, and the predominance of the biomedical model. The SDH approach proved essential to broadening the understanding of the health-disease process and promoting more integrated public policies. CONCLUSION: Training health professionals in SDH during university education is crucial for more equitable, humane, and effective care. This requires curriculum revision, faculty development, and the integration of educational practices with social realities. Strengthening intersectorality and encouraging interdisciplinary research are key strategies to consolidate this approach in professional education and practice.
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