Abstract :
This study aimed to describe the profile and the reality of the Community Health Agent (ACS) work in two cities of Paraíba, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with 98 ACS. Most ACS developed the activities established for the profession and bureaucratic work. Agents from the municipality with less dedication to the bureaucracy reported a greater role in community mobilization and guidance on child health. The performance of ACS can be impaired if involved in bureaucratic tasks.
Key words:
primary health care; community development; Community Health Workers