WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FROM A COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The Family Health Strategy (FHS) plays a fundamental role in promoting women’s health. In this context, understanding the community’s perception of the care provided becomes essential for strengthening health practices. This study aimed to analyze community discourses regarding the health care provided to women within the context of the FHS. This is an action research study with a qualitative approach, conducted in a rural community covered by an FHS team in the municipality of Crato, Ceará, Brazil. Fourteen participants took part in the study, including FHS professionals, a Primary Health Care manager, and community users. Data collection was carried out through participant observation, field diaries, and seminars guided by leading questions. The data were subjected to discourse analysis and thematic categorization. Participants highlighted strengths such as welcoming care, the work of Community Health Agents (CHA), conversation circles, home visits, gynecological preventive actions, and prenatal care. However, weaknesses were identified, including delays in consultations and examinations, bureaucracy, professional turnover, uncovered CHA areas, and access difficulties. The need to expand actions aimed at preventing violence against women also emerged. The FHS plays an important role in comprehensive women’s health care; however, structural and organizational challenges still limit the continuity and comprehensiveness of care.