Proposal of actions for the dissemination of local history through university outreach

Abstract

Introduction: the comprehensive training of medical sciences students requires strengthening historical culture and local identity as essential components of the educational process.

Objective: to develop actions that contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about the history of the locality among students at the Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de la Isla de la Juventud through university outreach.

Method: an educational intervention study was conducted with 56 first-year higher education students from the Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Hygiene and Epidemiology, and Clinical Bioanalysis programs during the period 2023–2025. A survey was applied for diagnosis, followed by an intervention using a proposal of outreach actions. Theoretical, empirical, and descriptive statistical methods were used.

Results: the initial diagnosis showed insufficient knowledge of local historical events and the health history of the municipality. A plan of outreach actions was designed and implemented, aimed at knowledge of local history, health figures, and health institutions in the territory. After the intervention, an increase in the level of knowledge was observed, along with a greater ability to substantiate local historical events, increased student participation in outreach activities and scientific events, and strengthened identity values.

Conclusions: outreach actions constitute an effective way to strengthen knowledge of local history and foster identity in medical sciences students, contributing to their comprehensive training.