Abstract
Background
Chagas disease is still an important public health issue in Latin America, presenting high prevalence, broad geographical distribution and great social impact. Several services related to Chagas disease are solved in Primary Health Care (PHC). In the Family Health Strategy (FHS) it is highlighted the Community Health Agent (CHA), professional responsible for mediating between the community and units basics of health (UBH).
Objective
To raise the perception of the coordinators of the FHS and the CHAs about the knowledge on Chagas disease and related health services in the municipalities of the micro-regional health of Itaúna, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Method
Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to the CHAs and focus groups were carried out with coordinators of the FHSs.
Result
It was observed that among professionals there is no basic information related to Chagas' disease; the lack of a service protocol/flowchart was noticed; inefficiency of reference and counter/reference services; precariousness in working conditions and training of professionals and absence of health promotion actions in municipalities.
Conclusion
This is the first study addressing this theme: perception of professionals about Chagas disease and its services. It is suggested that this study be extended to other regions of Brazil.
Keywords:
Chagas disease; community health agents; primary health care; health services