Abstract
The aim of the present study was to understand how the professional identities of the endemic combat agents are built. The endemic combat agent has a strategic role in the prevention and control of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever, which are serious public health problems in Brazil. The research was based on the concepts of qualification and professional identity, referenced by the sociology of work. This was an analytical study, conducted between 2014 and 2017, with a qualitative approach, carried out from focus groups, with 30 endemic combat agents from a sanitary district in Contagem (state of Minas Gerais). The data were analyzed according to the assumptions of the content analysis. Most of the agents were women and had completed high school. The results pointed out that there is a lack of knowledge on the part of the agents about the protocol for the execution of their work activities and about the technical contents related to dengue. The teaching-learning process occurs orally and through non-formal work processes. Failure to receive badges presented itself as an identity problem. It was concluded that the professional identities of the agents were built and rebuilt without a solid professional training and in precarious work conditions. Recognition, as an aspect of identity, occurs on the affective plane and not only in the work processes.
endemic combat agents; health professional education; professional identity; dengue