Relevance of patients' adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in a primary health care unit

Given the history of medicine, we realize that it goes from a practice focused on the patient and self-care to a centralized pharmacological treatment. Given the above, this article aims to highlight the importance of changing lifestyle habits in the management of diseases through an experience report by medical students from the Christus University Center in their internship practice in a primary health care unit (UAPS) in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil, regarding the discipline of Integration Health Teaching Community III (ISEC III) through a qualitative writing study. As demonstrated in several scientific articles, the adoption of healthier practices leads to a lower incidence of symptoms such as anxiety and even remission of certain diseases such as type II diabetes mellitus. However, the vast majority of patients do not adhere to non-medication practices, often believing that medication is enough to promote the definitive cure of their respective illnesses. Soon, the importance of developing appropriate physical exercise and dietary practices is evident. However, there is much to be desired regarding patient compliance, making intervention necessary through educational activities to promote greater awareness of the disease and the importance of self-care.