Abstract
This study proposes to present the experiences in the work of the community health agent that integrate the intersubjective relations in the territory. Their bonds with the community come from their involvement with the same difficulties the population they attend faces. The goal was to analyze the daily practices the community health agent experiences in the Family Health Strategy territory, with emphasis on community relations and on the bonds that are maintained. This study’s approach involved a qualitative critical-reflective perspective carried out in the city of Fortaleza, state of Ceará, Brazil, from 2011 to 2013. Eleven community health agents and 22 users of two Family Health Strategy teams participated. Semi-structured interviews, systematic observation, and focus groups were used as data collection techniques. The data were analyzed under the assumptions of critical hermeneutics. The results show that, in the community health agent’s daily work, the relationships for health care and promotion have ties and affection in community struggles, demands, and in community needs. Information and communication through dialogue give sense and meaning to health practices and improve quality of life. The bonds between users and community health agents are considered powerful and resolutive.
community health agent; family health; primary health care; professional-patient relationships