Intersectorial actions carried out by community health agents in the municipality of a small municipality located in the state of Espírito Santo

Abstract

Objective: Identify which intersectoral actions are developed by Community Health Agents (ACS's) of a small municipality located in the state of Espírito Santo, according to their perspectives. Methods: This is an exploratory descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out with five ACSs working in the municipality for at least one year, four female and one male. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured individual interviews, analyzed according to the content analysis technique proposed by Bardin. Results: Predominantly, the CHAs interviewed understand practical intersectoral actions that integrate other bodies and services, in a networking perspective. Such actions are developed from situations that are detected during home visits, and these sometimes do not materialize due to bureaucracy. Among the intersectoral actions developed, those that deal with individuals and families who present some type of social vulnerability were highlighted. Not all public policies in the municipality are receptive to the development of these actions. Conclusion: The ACS's have a clear understanding of what an intersectoral practice will be, and that because it is so, it has acted in this perspective, through dialogue with the other public policies of the municipality.