Percepções sobre saneamento básico e saúde no Povoado de bebedouro, em Santo Amaro do Maranhão, por meio de abordagens do design participativo

Abstract

Design has taken on an extremely important role in contemporary times by investigating, analyzing and proposing solutions to problems aimed at improving people's quality of life. Through Participatory Design, arriving at these solutions by understanding and dealing with the collective perspective makes them more assertive. In this scenario, the participants themselves, considered to be actors, are involved and take on a prominent role in relation to the issues being investigated. The process involves dialog without overlapping knowledge, taking into account the experiences and knowledge of the group. Based on this approach, the problem of this research was based on the perception of the residents of the village of Bebedouro, in Santo Amaro do Maranhão/MA, in relation to the lack of sanitation and the effects of this condition on their health. The aim was to understand whether the residents had a conception of this connection. Therefore, approaches, techniques and tools supported by creativity were used to understand them and make them reflect on these issues. In addition, this research sought to encourage them to co-create, in a participatory way, perspectives for a future where the presence of basic sanitation, a bathroom or similar space dedicated to personal hygiene practices represents a possibility and a benefit for everyone's health and quality of life.