O transtorno mental na percepção de agentes comunitários de saúde na estratégia saúde da família

The Family Health Strategy facilitates user access to mental health actions. This study aimed to verify the community health agents’ perceptions of the Family Health Strategy about mental disorder. A qualitative study was conducted with 26 randomly selected community health agents, among the professionals of 13 units, which constitute the Family Health Strategy of Itapeva (SP). The community health agents responded to a personal information questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Data were checked through content analysis. Stigmatizing perception of the mentally disturbed persons, lack of knowledge about the process of falling ill and the mental disorder evolution, and the unpreparedness to act in this population were observed. Capacitating agents enable them to contribute in a positive way to the effective functioning of a care net in mental health in the city.