Author:

• Maria Marlene Marques Ávila - Ávila, M.M.M. - Eusébio - Universidade Estadual do Ceará - <marlene.avila@uece.br>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8511-2524

Thematic Area:

Não Categorizado

Abstract:

Abstract
The program of community health agents was institutionalized by the Department of Health in 1991, which preceded the Family Health Program (PSF), was the first strategy of its kind on a national scale to bring attention to improving health in Brazil. In Ceará, this program exists since 1986. This study’s objective is to identify and discuss the practices of health agents within the community. Interactions between a specific group of infants in their first year of life and community health agents were followed and examined using individual interviews, focus groups, and field observations to gain a greater understanding of the common practices and the obstacles faced by these health agents. The study took place in Uruburetama, Ceará. This study followed 19 infants born from August 2004 until the conclusion of the study in August 2005. 15 agents were the main source of information of this study. By looking at the analytical category of the health agent as an educator, it was empirically identified that these health agents have an insufficient knowledge of the root causes and consequences of the social-economic determinants; and that the health practices themes and information are taken out of context of reality. This study points out the need to reinforce the health agents’ training and, more importantly, strengthen their action as health educators in the community.

Keywords: health agents; primary care health practices; popular health education

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