Abstract

Evaluation is purposeful activity examining multiple, diverse realities [1] that affect the implementation of social interventions and their management [2]. As political activity, evaluation involves partnerships among managers, stakeholders and internal and external evaluators. These partners review common interests and concerns to modify policies and modi operandi, and ultimately, to influence human life [3]. Evaluation is particularly sensitive to social problems and expectations; it documents their features, incidence and prevalence [2]. This article reports the quanti-qualitative results of an in-service effectiveness evaluation of interventions to reduce health risks for socially vulnerable people by community health agents (CHAs) (Agentes Comunitarios de Saude) in Brazil. CHAs are key personnel within the nationwide community health agent program (CHAP), created in 1991, that operates within Brazil’s Family Health Strategy (FHS). CHAP considers social inclusion through health education and promotion, a cornerstone of collective health. Most CHAs are from the communities they serve. This article documents some crucial features of CHAs’ work in dangerous neighborhoods previously inaccessible to health professionals (HPs). Knowledge about these residents’ health needs, challenges and difficulties due to their social vulnerability may not have reached health care providers.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.