O perfil sócio-demográfico e a motivação dos acadêmicos de Naturologia Aplicada da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina

Abstract

The article aimed at identifying the socio-demographic profile of students in the Applied Naturology course at The University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL), and to understand the reasons for choosing the course.The study was conducted by surveying 145 students of the course in the form of a questionnaire, which included both open and closed questions. The variables of the questionnaire were; age, sex, gender, nationality, ethnicity, income (individual and family), motivation for choosing the course, their stage of progression in the course, their prior experience in complementary and integrative treatment practices before joining the course, other practices they have prior experience in, how they discovered the course, their expectations regarding graduation, and finally, do they have intentions of working in Naturology after graduating. The majority of those surveyed were women (79%), 82% of which were aged between 17 and 27. 50% discovered the course through an acquaintance, 87% already had experience in complementary and integrative practices before starting the course, and most were already familiar with massage therapy. 85% of those who had received treatment reported they were happy with the results, mainly in relation to the relief of symptoms. As for motivation for choosing the course, 44% of the students chose to present undergraduate curriculum in complementary and integrative practices, 38% were hoping to graduate and become a skilled professional to help others, and 59% were intending on working in a clinic or as a multidisciplinary Naturologist. It was concluded that the socio-demographic is diverse and there is a strong presence of students with prior experience in the practices before enrolling on the University course.