Objective. Children’s health perception through creative
drawing language the identification of external factors perceived
as negative or positive to health by children. Methodology. A
descriptive study that describes the analysis of the expressive
language of drawings and written comments. The sample
consisted of 130 children in 3rd and 4th classes from four
randomly selected schools, in the region of Central Portugal
Continental (Coimbra district). The study was conducted during
the first semester of 2011. The data collection was performed
by means of Rodrigues’ drawing/writing sheet. This sheet is
divided in 4 areas (2 of them to draw what children consider
good for health and the other 2 to write the content or message
of the drawings). The themes expressed are classified based
on the priority areas for the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Results. children value healthy food, physical activity, mental
health, prevention of inappropriate substance consumption and
health and environment. The drawings and comments show
links between diet and physical exercise, and between mental
health and interpersonal relationships. Conclusion. Drawings
and comments facilitate health professionals understanding
of children’s perception of health positive and negative factors.
The results of the study allow planning intervention strategies in
school health from infant perception