Participação social na percepção de trabalhadoras/es de uma estratégia saúde da família

Abstract

In Brazil, social participation in health has great social and political relevance. This study analyzed the perception of the workers of a Family Health Strategy (ESF) on social participation in the Unified Health System (SUS). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, permanent education meetings and a field diary. They were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis method. The perceptions of FHS workers about social participation were discussed in three dimensions: knowledge they had on the subject; professional performance and related experiences; and challenges in strengthening participation. The main results suggest that social participation is perceived as the various ways in which people can contribute to the community, through involvement in collective, social and solidary actions, aimed at the common good. Mainly related to CLS and groups. Weaknesses were perceived in the understanding of non institutionalized participation and in its process of construction and strengthening based on professional practice in the FHS.