Agentes Comunitários de Saúde: trabalho e formação profissional numa perspectiva emancipatória

Abstract

This study focuses on the professional development and education of the Community Health Agent, understanding education as a process of progress in learning within the formal school and not just in the professional formation. Work is understood as an emancipation principle, at the same time full of contradictions, and also an exploitation field, in the ongoing logic of capital accumulation. Main objective was to describe and discuss work, training and education of the Community Health Agents in the Program Area 5.2 of Rio de Janeiro city. The study was carried out in a qualitative approach based on narratives about subject s life and work, and of data analysis method had theoretical support of hermeneutics-dialectics interpretation. In addition, a quantitative education profile was obtained. Results showed significant increase in all levels of Agents formal education after they start working. The reasons given for entry into the work as Health Agent are related to the entry into or return to formal labor market and the proximity of the residence. Depreciation and lack of recognition are identified as main reasons for them to leave the profession. Some subjects considered the Agents work as temporary, and their remaining is linked to lack of other perspectives, as also their identification with communitarian work, evidencing characteristics of the gift. The emancipation principle of labor was also mentioned by some subjects, since the work enabled the resumption of old objectives, in the case, to return to school. Also were found the influence of nurses in the Agent s work and their choice of subsequent profession. A desire to change their function seems to be present, but they still make professionals choices in the health area. However, these choices will only be possible within a more fair social order. Based on Paulo Freire s concept of viable unprecedented , conclusion is that the Community Health Agent should be regarded not only as a worker who plays a type of employment relationship, but, as a member of the popular classes, able to suggest and develop transformation actions. Their remaining as Health Agents, ensuring the accomplishment of the proposed changes recommended by Family Health Strategy depends on both technical and political recognition of this worker.