Abstract
Background
The referral flows of patients with mental disorders and their proper reception represent a major challenge in the mental health area.
Objective
To know the perception of Community Health Agents concerning mental health patients and their activities in this field.
Method
This is a qualitative study using the focus group technique. The collected data were transcribed and submitted to the Qualitative Content Analysis Technique. Fifteen health agents participated in the study.
Results
The data were organized using the themes that stood out in the testimonies of the Community Health Agents and grouped into three previously selected categories: Knowledge about Mental Disorders, Mental Health Actions, and Service Barriers.
Conclusion
The agents showed interest in working with patients but pointed out difficulties involving the different points of the healthcare network. Better technical and theoretical preparation of agents would result in gains for the health team and for patients. Despite considering the reality of a medium-sized municipality, this study can provide support for the discussion on mental health care in primary health care.
Keywords:
Community Health Workers; mental health; focus groups