PERFIL SOCIODEMOGRÁFICO DOS AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE DA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA NO MUNICÍPIO DE PALMAS-TO

SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THE COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENTS OF THE STRATEGY 'FAMILY HEALTH' IN THE CITY OF PALMS-TO   Abstract In the last two decades, the Community Health Agent has represented, in the health sector, a strategic professional that brings together families and communities in the work processes of the health field. A new political actor comes on stage to contribute to the strengthening of the Municipal Health Systems. This article aims to outline the demographic profile of this professional in the city of Palmas-TO. This is an exploratory study survey that was conducted with 246 Community Health Agents between January and April 2014. The data collection was made via questionnaires, observing the Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council.  We found that most of the Community Health Agents are females (85.89%) and they are between 30 and 44 years old (68.57%) and have completed secondary education (54.06%). Of the 246 respondents, 38.21% had technical courses. Of these, 62.77% are Technical Community Health Agents. Most of them (55.19%) are in the profession between 10 and 14.9 years. The number of home visits by the Community Health Agents is approximately 9.32 visits per day. It is evident in the study that the profile that emerges from the research is like those designed by the National Primary Care Policy, nonetheless, it is highlighted the need for inclusion of them in continuing education projects. Keywords Community Health Agent; Family Health Strategy; Community.