THE OPINION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS REGARDING THE POLICY SPECIFIC TO MALE HEALTH

Abstract

This exploratory and descriptive research, with a quantitative approach, aimed to ascertain the opinion of Community Health Workers working in the Family Health Strategy regarding the health policy specific for attending the male population. 64 Community Health Workers participated in the study, who worked in four Primary Health Centers located in the West Health District of the city of Natal in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. The data were collected in July – September 2012 using a questionnaire and were treated using descriptive statistics. It was ascertained that, although some participants showed they did not know about the National Policy for Men’s Integrated Healthcare, the majority expressed positive opinions about it, a fact mainly explained by its preventive and educational character. The knowledge evidenced was shown to be incipient, showing the need for the above-mentioned policy to be publicized among these primary care professionals, with a view to its attainment in the health services.

Keywords

• Men's health
• Community health workers
• Family Health Program
• Public health