University Extension Research Articles

The School Garden As A Tool in the Teaching-Learning Process of Environmental Education in A Riverside Community on The Bank of The Iguaçu River

Objective: This article aimed to promote actions and investigate aspects about caring for the environment in a public school in a community on the banks of the Iguaçu River through Environmental Education. Theoretical Framework: To this end, the garden was used as a tool in the teaching-learning process of environmental themes, bringing topics such as care for the environment, society-nature relationship, sustainable societies and food sovereignty into this discussion. Method: The methodology of this work was carried out through a university extension workshop developed by the Sala +Verde project in the waves of the Iguaçu river in partnership with the Hortas project in small school spaces, spread throughout the community of the Foz do Chopim district in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Iguaçu – Paraná, being held at the Foz do Chopim Municipal School, with students of Elementary School. Results and Discussion: However, it was identified that the workshop for the construction of the school garden with the aim of awakening a reflection on the society-nature relationship and the promotion of food sovereignty, provoked in the subjects involved a feeling of belonging and care for that space Research Implications: Consequently, the workshop provided information that students can take home, promoting practices that allow us to move towards a better quality of life and care for our common good Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by promoting teaching and learning actions on environmental topics. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by highlighting aspects of care for the environment.

A Qualitative Analysis of Rural Community Vaccination Barriers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Rural communities in the United States experience increased disparity of care for both general healthcare services and access to routine vaccines. Previous research has indicated a 40% lower vaccination rate in rural communities, as compared to urban counterparts. Having a better understanding regarding factors influencing lower vaccination rates in rural areas could help public health officials prepare for future vaccination efforts. This research sought to gather and evaluate the opinions of people who live and work in rural areas regarding barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake. A semi-structured qualitative key informant interview design was utilized by researchers to gather opinions from university Extension staff in Washington State. Interview transcripts were analyzed using the Theory of Planned Behavior (ToPB) framework to evaluate COVID-19 vaccination-related intentions and motivational factors that the Extension staff observed among rural populations in their communities. Twenty-one participants representing 34 out of the 40 Extension offices responded and were interviewed during fall 2023. Using the ToPB constructs, nine barriers were identified. Attitude-related barriers included the following: inherent social distancing in rural location negating vaccine necessity; lack of early vaccine availability in rural locales; concerns regarding ineffectiveness of the vaccine; and inadequate dissemination of vaccine information to non-English language speakers and those with limited access to technology. Subjective norm barriers included the following: perception of exclusion of rural populations' unique needs during design and implementation of vaccine mandates; exertion of social pressures on rural individuals' vaccine uptake decision; and highly visible breakdown in standard trust in core community institutions and leadership. Barriers related to loss of perceived behavioral control included vaccine mandates impacting self-perceived loss of autonomy and limitations in vaccine technology information impacting perception of vaccine safety. By identifying barriers to vaccination in rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, future outreach efforts can be designed to improve intention and lead to stronger vaccination uptake.

Práticas educativas ambientais em biodiversidade nativa

The article proposes to report on the development and discuss the results of a university extension project carried out among undergraduate and graduate students in Architecture and Urbanism and students from the 2nd stage of basic education in a public school on the outskirts of São Paulo city. The project aimed at sharing knowledge and practices regarding urban afforestation, tree species, and native birdlife. The initiative is justified by the understanding that planning and actions focused on sustainable urban design benefit from the participation of populations, while also revaluing ecosystems and integrating them into society has a real impact on local life, strengthening the sense of recognition and potentially providing lasting economic and environmental benefits. The activities involved literature review on native bird and tree species, holding discussion meetings with the school community, giving lectures on Brazilian flora and the animals attracted to them, and planting seedlings of native trees in the school's open area to start a garden. As a result of the project, based on the identified challenges, it is argued that environmental education practices involving the school community, related to the afforestation of native species, can be understood as: (I) a strategy for counter-colonization of knowledge; (II) a possibility for exploring multisensorial experiences; (III) a gesture of intergenerational and planetary responsibility; and (IV) the building of alliances and practicing the common.

Yacon syrup supplementation improves cholesterol and body composition in overweight and obese women: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial chronic disease with high prevalence among women in Brazil. It can cause changes in glycemic, lipid and anthropometric profiles, bringing about adjacent diseases. Yacon syrup contains prebiotics that have been shown to have a positive effect on obesity originated diseases. Our study evaluated the effect of long-term use of yacon syrup on lipid, glycemic, anthropometric profiles and oxidative damage markers in overweight or obese women assisted in an university extension project. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 15 adult women were allocated into yacon group (n=10) and control group (n=5). They consumed 12 mL of yacon syrup (5.3 g of fructooligosaccharides) and 12 mL of maltodextrin syrup (placebo) for 30 days, after breakfast, and followed an individualized food plan. Blood samples were collected and an anthropometric assessment was performed before (D1) and after (D2) the 30 days of intervention. Results and discussion : There was no significant change in fasting blood glucose in any of the evaluated groups (P<0,05). There was a decrease in the amount of body fat, cholesterol and 8-isoprostane after 30 days of yacon syrup supplementation (P<0,05). Conclusion: Chronic yacon syrup had no effect on the glycemic profile, but decreased total cholesterol, body fat and 8-isoprostane levels in overweight or obese women.

BORBOLETANDO PROJECT: STORYTELLING IN VIRTUAL MEDIA – AN INNOVATIVE PROPOSAL

This article deals with the "Borboletando Project: at home you also learn!", as an example of a successful experience that unites the art of storytelling in the continuum of informal education, enabling, in a playful way, the learning of themes focused on reality and everyday issues that involve families, students, teachers, or anyone interested in listening to stories and learning in a pleasurable way. The art of storytelling is an ancestral activity, but it arouses fascination even in a society mediated by digital technologies, enabling educational/pedagogical experiences in virtual networks. The Project emerged in 2020 and according to the author she was sensitized by the pandemic to the fact that she saw children, especially young ones, being cloistered indoors without being able to visit relatives, friends, colleagues, and often only in the company of their parents. The name of the project was inspired by the metamorphosis of the butterfly, first – a caterpillar – passing from leaf to leaf in the garden, and then trapped in the cocoon. The research has the following objectives: to analyze the Borboletando Project in the context of educational innovation; describe some experiences with storytelling promoted by the project; present the stories and memories of the protagonists about their experiences in the Project. The methodological path started from a qualitative research, based on Minayo (2002), in which a content analysis was carried out based on Bardin (2011). To this end, a semi-structured interview was applied and oral life histories of the research subjects were collected - students of the teacher training course in the scope of Pedagogy at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). The Project brings playful alternatives using diverse materials, creativity and innovative practices from traditional educational resources (storytelling, music, visual arts, among others). This sharing allows parents and the school to suggest activities in which the child gains wings becoming the butterfly. It's been 4 (four) years of a project that offers some types of storytelling: storytelling itself through videos and animations. It expanded the educational and pedagogical possibilities provided by storytelling in virtual networks, as a university extension providing the community with the opportunity to participate with suggestions for specific themes. It is also a space for successful experiences for students at the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI).

Could University Extension collapse under the magnifying glass of the current political and social context? Some contributions for the reflection of the academic community

Could University Extension collapse under the magnifying glass of the current political and social context? Some contributions for the reflection of the academic community

APLICATIVO UNIVERSITÁRIO DO BEM: DESENVOLVIMENTO DE TECNOLOGIA PARA GESTÃO DE ATIVIDADES COMPLEMENTARES EM INSTITUIÇÕES DE ENSINO SUPERIOR

This article aims to investigate and analyze the behavior profiles and preferences of undergraduate students in relation to complementary activities in order to propose technological alternatives to optimize this process. The research, of exploratory and descriptive character, adopted as a technical procedure the case study at Fumec University, a higher education institution located in the city of Belo Horizonte. Data collection took place through structured interviews, carried out with undergraduate students at Fumec University, from September 1 to 30, 2023. The results indicated the interest of students in using a mobile application as an alternative to the analog methods currently used by HEIs. In this way, the app called Universitário do Bem was developed, which aims to manage the complementary activities carried out in the HEIs. The implementation of the app can save time and resources, in addition to promoting the university extension activity, which is still undervalued in Brazil. With the increasing integration of mobile applications into daily life, the proposed solution has the potential to significantly facilitate the process of carrying out complementary activities for students. The project faced challenges such as slow application and delays in conducting tests due to the high turnover of responsible students. Proposed improvements include the use of a more robust server and code overhaul to optimize performance.

Sustainability Management at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil: Integrating Institutional Projects with the SDGs

The Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) is the largest educational institution in the Midwest of Brazil, with its quality in teaching, research, extension, management, and infrastructure recognized at national and international levels. In 2023, the university received the highest rating in the institutional assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education (MEC), the government body responsible for promoting quality education in the country, and for the first time, ranked in the top 100 global in the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking. UFMS was considered the 74th most sustainable university out of 1,183 institutions evaluated, and the 5th in the country. The university implements various good practices aligned with each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda. The aim of this work is to present some of these practices, with an emphasis on incorporating the SDGs into the university's teaching, research, and extension projects. In a quantitative and descriptive analysis, from 2018 to 2023, there have been over 20,000 projects registered at UFMS with more than 45,000 SDGs indicated. It is hoped that this study can inspire other institutions regarding the importance of meeting the SDGs.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СТВОРЕННЯ ТА РОЗВИТКУ UNIVERSITY EXTENSION В АНГЛІЇ ТА США В КІНЦІ XIX - НА ПОЧАТКУ ХХ СТОЛІТТЯ

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the world faced unprecedented changes driven by the rapid development of technology, industrialization, and growing urbanization. Technological progress impacted all aspects of life, particularly the social structure, economy, and culture. Millions of people moved to cities in search of new jobs, where new work opportunities were available, but they also encountered challenges associated with rapid industrial development. Along with these changes arose the need for new forms of education that could meet the demands of both individuals and entire communities. In response to this demand, the University Extension movement emerged in Great Britain and the United States. Its goal was to overcome the limitations of traditional university education and make scientific knowledge accessible to people. This article explores the historical context of the emergence and development of the University Extension movement in England and the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It examines the social and economic conditions that contributed to the formation of this movement and the impact it had on adult education development. In particular, key aspects of the movement are analyzed, including how it contributed to increasing access to higher education for people from different social backgrounds and how it influenced the rise of social mobility in society. The study's conclusions indicate that different social and economic conditions, educational systems, and cultural characteristics in England and the United States were decisive factors in shaping the differences in the development of the university extension concept in these countries. The article also highlights the role of University Extension in promoting educational innovations. Thanks to this movement, new teaching approaches emerged, which gradually transformed the higher education system, making it more flexible and adaptable to society's needs. Today, the ideas laid down by the University Extension movement continue to evolve, taking on new forms. Thus, the article not only explores the history of this educational movement but also emphasizes its relevance in the modern world, where access to education remains a crucial issue.

Optimizing faba bean cultivation: assessing varietal performance in spring and fall

The need to identify specialty crops in Virginia has driven interest in faba beans (Vicia faba L.), which offer potential benefits for crop rotation systems. As a cool-season crop, faba beans can be planted in both fall and spring, providing flexibility in farming schedules. A field study was conducted at Randolph Farm, the Virginia State University Research and Extension Farm, using a completely randomized factorial block design. This study examines the performance of seven faba bean varieties—Ethiopia, NEB247, Aprovecho, EN3, EN47, Windsor and EN45—across three spring (late February, late March and mid April), and three fall (late September, early October and late October) planting dates. Our results demonstrate that both variety and planting date significantly influence the yield and yield components of faba beans. Among the varieties tested, Windsor and EN47 exhibited superior traits across multiple categories, making them preferable for achieving high yields. Conversely, varieties such as EN45, Aprovecho, and NEB247 showed poor performance. Fall planting dates generally resulted in superior growth, yield, and maturity characteristics, underscoring their importance for maximizing faba bean production. We observed that faba beans planted in the fall had 58% more branches, 100% more shoot dry matter, 34% higher 100-seed weight, double the grain yields, and 8% higher harvest index compared to those planted in the spring. To further enhance faba bean production, additional studies are suggested to clarify the physiological relationships between photosynthesis rates and the sink-source dynamics. Furthermore, investigating how planting dates impact the nutrient components of faba beans will provide deeper insights into optimizing their cultivation.

Synergistic effect of pyridate-based herbicide mixtures for controlling multiple herbicide-resistant kochia

Abstract Multiple herbicide classes resistant (MHCR) kochia poses a serious concern for producers in the Central Great Plains, including western Kansas. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University Research and Extension Centers near Hays and Garden City, KS to evaluate pyridate-based postemergence (POST) herbicide mixtures for controlling MHCR kochia. One previously confirmed MHCR population (resistant to atrazine, glyphosate, dicamba, and fluroxypyr) and a susceptible (SUS) kochia population were tested in a greenhouse study. The kochia population at Hays field site was resistant to atrazine, dicamba, and glyphosate while kochia population at Garden City site was resistant to atrazine and glyphosate. Colby’s analysis revealed synergistic interactions when pyridate was mixed with atrazine, dicamba, dichlorprop-p, fluroxypyr, glyphosate, or halauxifen/fluroxypyr and resulted in ≥94% control and shoot dry biomass reduction of MHCR kochia in a greenhouse study. Similarly, synergistic interactions were observed for MHCR kochia control in fallow field studies at both sites when pyridate was mixed with glyphosate or atrazine. Kochia control was increased from 26% to 90% with the application of glyphosate + pyridate and from 28% to 95% with atrazine + pyridate at both sites as compared to separate applications of glyphosate or atrazine. This is the first report for such a strong synergistic effect for both glyphosate and atrazine mixtures with pyridate on a weed resistant to both. All other pyridate-based herbicide mixtures showed an additive interaction and resulted in better control of MHCR kochia (87 to 100%) as compared to their individual applications (23 to 92%) across both sites except 2,4-D. These results suggest that pyridate can play a crucial role in various POST herbicide mixtures for effective control of MHCR kochia.

First Report of Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Oklahoma.

The corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong and Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is an invasive insect that can cause damage to maize (Zea mays L.) in two ways: by direct feeding and the transmission of several plant pathogens. Dalbulus maidis is an invasive and serious economic pest of maize that has spread from its center of origin in Mexico to the southernmost parts of the United States. Prior to 2024, corn leafhoppers had not been documented in Oklahoma, and their spread northward toward the United States corn belt is of significant concern. Here, we provide the first reports of the insect in maize in several Oklahoma counties. Insect specimens were collected at various commercial and experimental field sites by Oklahoma State University research and extension personnel. The identity of the insect species was validated through morphological and molecular taxonomy. The presence records for the corn leafhopper presented here provide valuable information for future monitoring and management efforts of this economically important pest and disease.

Sustaining Soil Health in High Tunnels: A Paradigm Shift toward Soil-centered Management

This review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge, learn producer and Extension specialist perspectives, and identify gaps in understanding of the role of soil health in sustaining production in high tunnel (HT) systems. This synthesis includes findings from scholarly resources related to soil health in HTs, including research and Extension-based literature, perspectives from experienced HT producers and technical assistance providers, and the direct observations of a broad network of university research and Extension personnel working with HTs. Findings are intended to identify knowledge gaps and additional research and Extension resource needs of greatest priority to the HT producer community and technical assistance providers that support them at the time of publication. A review of 68 research articles and 58 Extension resources was conducted. Focus group interviews were conducted with small groups of experienced HT farmers in four regions of the eastern half of the United States, with in-depth farm case studies conducted in individual farmers in three of these regions. Growers across regions identified soil fertility management, soilborne diseases, soil compaction, and lack of consistency of soil analyses specific to HTs as the greatest soil-related challenges to HT production. Research and resources for technical assistance providers on mitigation strategies to remediate yield-limiting HT soil conditions, such as excessive soil salinity and high pathogen populations, were also lacking. As such, process-based research on techniques such as leaching, soil steaming, solarization, and anaerobic soil disinfestation in tunnels that consider short- and long-term costs, benefits, and effects on soil and plant productivity should be prioritized in the future when considering the impact of HT production on soil health. Interviews also indicated a need for networking opportunities for technical assistance providers across agencies (e.g., Natural Resources Conservation Service, Extension, nongovernmental organizations). Despite a high and increasing rate of adoption, there is currently a lack of information about maintaining HT systems. Given that HTs play a critical and growing economic role for specialty crop growers throughout the eastern United States, comprehensive intervention across the research–Extension spectrum to sustain productivity in HT systems is recommended.

Challenges and Opportunities for Extension in Drought Adaptation: A Case Study of Ranching in New Mexico

Abstract Prolonged drought poses significant challenges for food and fiber production in the U.S. Southwest, where range livestock production has great economic and cultural significance. Sustaining rangeland agriculture in the region necessitates swift and nimble uptake of drought adaptations. While the Cooperative Extension Service serves as a promising resource to drought adaptation among ranchers, how Extension staff perceive their capacity to support ranching clientele in that endeavor is not well understood. We interviewed university Extension professionals across New Mexico to explore their perceptions of drought. We found that their perceived ability to aid in drought adaptation was dependent upon interpersonal, as well as structural, factors. These factors differed across ranching regions in New Mexico. This case study highlights the importance of Extension networks, opportunity for novel Extension training, and a need for heightened attention to structural barriers.

Participatory analysis of disaster risk creation in Brazilian coastal cities: bridging remote sensing and citizen generated data

Purpose This paper aimed to develop a participatory methodology to analyze the disaster risk creation in coastal cities, based on an approach that combines social, urban, environmental and disaster risk elements. Design/methodology/approach The methodology uses some aspects of three theoretical approaches in a complementary way: i) the Pressure and Release (PAR) framework for the identification of dynamic pressures that contribute to disaster risk creation; ii) the application of Drivers, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) framework to analyze environmental dimensions; and iii) urban analysis, applying the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) tool to classify urban processes. The methodology combined the use of satellite remote sensing data to analyze the urban sprawl and citizen science methods to collect social and environmental data, using the case study of the watershed of the Juqueriquerê River in the coastal city of Caraguatatuba, Brazil. The pilot project was part of a local university extension project of the undergraduate course on Architecture and Urban Planning and also engaged residents and city hall representatives. Findings The satellite remote sense data analysis indicated a continuous urban sprawl between 1985 and 2020, especially in the south of the Juqueriquerê watershed, reducing urban drainage and increasing the extension and water depth of urban flooding and riverine floods. Using citizen science methods, undergraduates identified settlements with limited economic resources to elevate houses and a lack of infrastructure to promote a resilient coastal city. After identifying the dynamic pressures that contribute to disaster risk creation and the weaknesses and strengths of a resilient city, undergraduate students proposed urban planning interventions and gray and green infrastructure projects to mitigate disaster risks. Social implications The paper identifies urban sprawl in disaster-prone areas as one of the risk factors contributing to disaster. It also comprehensively analyzes differences between different zones in the Juqueriqere River, which will be useful for policy-making. Originality/value The method presented an interdisciplinary approach that used satellite remote sensing data and citizen science techniques to analyze disaster risks in coastal cities. The multidimensional approach used to evaluate risks is useful and can be replicated in other similar studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of disaster risks.

Peanut cultivar response to residual soil test potassium in North Mississippi

AbstractThe average U.S. peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield has increased by approximately 25% with the adoption of peanut cultivar ‘Georgia‐06G’. Since this adoption, many new high yielding runner cultivars with similar yield potential have been released. However, current nutrient recommendations are based on soil tests that were developed prior to the release of Georgia‐06G. Particularly for potassium, current soil test potassium (STK) critical values were established on soil textures with relatively low cation exchange capacity (CEC) but were not validated on soil textures with high CEC. This study aimed to evaluate the growth and yield response of five recently released peanut cultivars to four STK levels ranging from very low to medium based on Mississippi State University Extension soil testing recommendations. The STK classification levels were also based on two soil series categorized with high CEC—Leeper (∼38.4 meq 100 g−1) and Marietta (∼15.9 meq 100 g−1) soil series. Cultivars Georgia‐06G, ‘Georgia‐16HO’, ‘Georgia‐18RU’, FloRun ‘331’, and ‘AU‐NPL‐17’ were evaluated in this study. No STK × variety interaction occurred, indicating similar K requirements across all varieties evaluated. However, a positive pod yield response occurred in both soil types when the average STK increased from 128 to 167 lbs ac−1 for all cultivars and site years. Critical STK values on both soils were greater than many current Extension recommendations, and the critical STK value of Leeper is greater than the Marietta soil series, likely due to the higher CEC value. These results demonstrate the need to adjust peanut STK sufficiency levels based on soil CEC. Further evaluation of modern peanut cultivar productivity response to STK sufficiency levels is needed for soils with moderate CEC.

Generation Rx: evaluation of medication misuse prevention education for older adults.

Increased medication misuse over the last two decades has prompted extensive discussion about the lack of evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention education programs targeting the topic. As older adults are high utilizers of medications, this is an important population to reach with such educational programming. This study was designed to assess the change in knowledge and behavioral intentions of older adult participants after attending an educational session focused on safe medication use utilizing the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit (GROAT) resources. The Generation Rx team at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy (OSU COP) partnered with The Ohio State University Extension offices (OSU Extension) across the state of Ohio to provide GROAT educational programming in their communities. OSU Extension Educators were trained via the standardized virtual training program, Generation Rx Ambassadors. Program participants were surveyed immediately before and after the educational events. Pre- and post-survey data was then analyzed to assess knowledge gain and behavioral intentions about safe medication practices, as well as program perception and program satisfaction. Programming occurred between May 2022 and September 2022. In total, OSU Extension Educators collectively engaged 843 individuals in a prevention education program utilizing the GROAT materials. After excluding participants under 50 years of age, there were 297 pre surveys and 245 post surveys included in the data analysis. Knowledge gains from pre- to post-survey showed a significant increase in correct responses in seven of the eight questions asked regarding safe medication practices. All five questions evaluating behavioral intentions demonstrated positive results after the programming (p < 0.001). Participants' perceptions and program satisfaction were also favorable. This study found through pre- and post-survey results that the Generation Rx Older Adult Toolkit programming delivered by Generation Rx trained OSU Extension Educators significantly increased older adult participants' knowledge and favorably impacted behavioral intentions around safe medication use practices.

Contribution of the Link with society in the training of doctors in the Medicine degree at the San Gregorio de Portoviejo University

Introduction: In Latin America, university extension, today called in Ecuador, connection with society, emerges irreverently with the movement of Córdova, Argentina; It constitutes the historical reason of the university, the engine that provides the basic inputs to Research and Teaching. It is recognized as an academic, dynamic, participatory, dialogic and contextual process that determines social and curricular relevance. It is a real challenge to train responsible professionals committed to solving the problems in their environment, and this is where the contribution of Linkage in the comprehensive training of man is shown, especially in the field of Health Sciences and Medicine particularly. Objective: To assess the contribution of the connection with society in the training of doctors in the Medicine degree at the San Gregorio de Portoviejo University (USGP). Methods: It was a qualitative research, analysis-synthesis, induction-deduction and systemic methods were used, bibliographic sources that regulate the policies of this function in Ecuador, in the USGP and in the Medicine career were also reviewed, and of other materials related to Linkage with society, its contribution to the training of professionals in the field of Health Sciences and specifically in Medicine. Results: It was identified that the policy of linkage with society contained in the training program for doctors in the Medicine career meets the external demands and the premises raised by the CES and the USGP. Conclusions: The Medicine degree implements in its links a comprehensive approach, which is exhibited from the dimension of curricular actions, goes through research and is brought together in university extension, for responsible, committed and highly qualified professionals.

The use of social network sites in university extension projects: the case of the Geotecnologias na rede extension project

The use of social network sites in university extension projects: the case of the Geotecnologias na rede extension project

Assistência farmacêutica em fitoterapia na gravidez e amamentação: relato de experiência

Report an experience of activities developed by students of the Pharmacy course at UNESP, Campus Araraquara participating in a university extension project entitled "Pharmaceutical Assistance in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding", developed at the Association of Women "NGO Baby on Board", with an emphasis on medicinal plants. Conversation rounds, lectures, group dynamics, distribution of educational materials were carried out, addressing the theme of rational use of medicinal plants in pregnancy and breastfeeding. The educational tools adopted by the students were satisfactory and well accepted by women. At the end of the activities, there was enormous satisfaction on the part of the students in realizing the importance of applying the theoretical knowledge acquired within the University for the benefit of the community, and of how the knowledge is not absolute, but is built from the exchange of experiences. Thus, the importance of extension activities was evidenced, through educational activities in the area ​​Pharmaceutical Assistance in Phytotherapy in the scope of maternal and child health. The students reported that contact with the community provided them with life experience and knowledge exchange, leading to more humanized training as future health professionals.