Work situations experienced by Family Health Strategy professionals in Ceará-Mirim

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the work situations experienced by Family Health Strategy (FHS) professionals. This descriptive study was performed in Ceará-Mirim, Rio Grande do Norte state, in 2007. The population consisted of 190 FHS professionals, in which a questionnaire with closed-questions was applied. The results showed that 83.2% of the professionals consider that knowing the geographical area under their responsibility is a positive aspect that helps performing their activities, while 40.5% consider the number of families that each team has to follow to be a difficulty. Regarding work conditions, 93.2% reported the presence of professionals with a public health profile and 86.6% reported there is a lack of equipment and instruments. Of professionals who work exclusively with the FHS, 74% are community health agents. The commitment and responsibility to replace the traditional care practices should concern everyone, and there is a need for an interaction between historical, political, social, economic, and cultural factors.