Quality of life and work improvements according to community health agents

Abstract

Background: For acting at the level of the community and mediating between it and health services, the role of community health agents (CHA) is essential. For this reason, this occupational group needs satisfactory quality of life and working conditions to ensure their well-being and improve the quality of their work. On these grounds, the present study is justified as a means to reflect on the work process of this occupational group and enable suggestions for improvements. Objective: To discuss strategies to improve CHA's quality of life and work. Methods: Exploratory study with qualitative analysis conducted with CHA in Currais Novos, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Results: Strategies suggested to improve quality of life and work focused on mental and physical aspects and the essential resources needed for work. Conclusion: Discussions and sound grounds are needed for initiatives to improve the living and working conditions of CHA and thus achieve a positive impact on this population of workers, and consequently also on their daily actions.