Práticas dos agentes de saúde no processo de informação, educação e comunicação em saúde na região sul do Brasil

Abstract

Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Endemic Disease Control Agents (EDCAs) are fundamental in Primary Health Care (PHC) by strengthening the connection between Primary Health Centers and the population in their territories. Therefore, it is essential that these professionals possess theoretical knowledge and subsidy to effectively and qualified assist in the dissemination of information and communication about health promotion and disease prevention. This study aimed to understand how CHWs and EDCAs develop their professional practices in the context of information, education and communication in the southern region of Brazil. This qualitative research involved interviews with CHWs and EDCAs from the three states in the southern region of Brazil, using convenience samples strategy based on political involvement and professional representativeness. Data were analyzed using the Discourse of the Collective Subject (DCS) method. This research is part of the national multicenter study entitled "A multicenter study about the Practices of Endemic Disease Control Agents and Community Health Workers in Brazil," coordinated by the Public Health Studies Center and the Laboratory of Education, Information, and Communication in Health (FS/UnB). Two central ideas were identified: Conceptions, training processes, and professional practices of CHWs and EDCAs in the southern region of Brazil; Tools and technologies of the practices used in Information, Education, and Communication processes in health, with a focus on information trustworthiness and combating misinformation. The results indicate a strong bond of trust between agents and the community, positioning them as key actors in combating misinformation, particularly in an era of information overload (infodemic). It was noticed that the population's cultural and religious beliefs influence the working process and the dissemination of scientific information, in a way that health agents must remain updated and well-trained to adapt information while respecting local beliefs. The study concludes that training processes that emphasize technical aspects and the critical use of communication technologies are essential to identify reliable sources, manage the challenges of the digital age, and strengthen health communication.