[Social networks and participation in a community referenced to a family health care unit].

Abstract

The aim of this research is to describe factors that may influence the constitution of social networks and participation in a community referenced to a Family Health Care Unit, located in a medium-sized city in the South of Brazil. It is a qualitative research developed with key informants, community members, community health agents and other health team personnel. The method used was rapid participative assessment, through semi-structured interviews and field observation. Content analysis was used and two categories emerged: considerations about social networks and community participation. The first category presents factors related to social networks, such as family aggregation, socio-economic structure, alcoholism, among others. The second one presents community organization and the ways people participate in the community. Discussions and reflections presented in this paper enable to conclude that strategies to promote strengthening of bonds and greater mobilization for social participation may be developed.