Tuberculosis in the family health strategy: the knowledge of community health agents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5216/ree.v15i2.16982Keywords:
Tuberculosis, Community Health Workers, Family Health Program, Health Services, Nursing.Abstract
doi: 10.5216/ree.v15i2.16982 - http://dx.doi.org/10.5216/ree.v15i2.16982.
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to identify what community health agents of the municipality of São Carlos, in the State of São Paulo knew about tuberculosis, based on the handbook “Tuberculosis: information for community health agents” recommended by the Department for Health Policies. A multiple-choice questionnaire was applied with 87 workers of the 16 Family Health Units in the referred municipality, 70% of which were able to minimally recognize their activities to control this disease. Relevant frailties regarding treatment duration and abandonment, in addition to myths and misinterpretations about the forms of transmission were identified. In conclusion, there is a need for specific educational activities for these professionals, taking into consideration the key role that they have in controlling tuberculosis. It is believed that these results could support educational strategies and the implementation of tuberculosis-control policies aimed at the community agent.
Descriptors: Tuberculosis; Community Health Workers; Family Health Program; Health Services; Nursing.
