Contributions of the health-promoting universities’ movement

Abstract

The objective was to identify the existing links between the conceptual proposal of the movement of health-promoting universities (HPU) and the activities carried out to increase the health of workers in higher education institutions. An integrative literature review was conducted in October 2020 in the following databases: LILACS, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, and CINAHL and with the Boolean phrase citing, University AND “health promotion.” In the initial review, 5351 studies were found, and after removing the repetitions, applying the inclusion criteria, and making the qualitative analysis, a sample of 9 articles was obtained. For the construction of the flowchart with the representation of the eligibility and inclusion of the articles, the PRISMA model was use. The findings were analyzed with the theoretical and conceptual support of the movement of HPU, which made it possible to establish the construction of three categories, to quote: full provision of social, medical, and health services; creating a favorable health environment on campus; and development of health education actions. The movement of HPU is relevant to the contemporary world; however, initiatives to incorporate these practices are still scarce, creating a gap between expectations and reality.