Forte FDS, Dias MSA, Farias SF, Pequeno AMC, Guimarães JMX, Machado MFAS, Vieira NFC, Vasconcelos MIO, Nascimento EF, Morais APP, Castro M, Yousafzai AK, Vieira-Meyer APGF. (Re)invention of the work process of community health workers during the Covid-19: teamwork and occupational safety. Interface (Botucatu). 2026; 30: e250315 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250315
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the strategies employed by Brazilian community health workers (CHWs) to adapt to the evolving work process during the recent pandemic. We interviewed 152 CHWs from four state capitals and one hinterland city in Northeastern Brazil and the interviews were analyzed using the dialectical hermeneutic approach. We observed precarious nature of the work and health education management policies then in effect, which failed to incorporate permanent health education into management strategies. This was reflected in the (lack of) concern for health professionals and their working conditions. The CHWs offered a detailed picture of the tensions and changes impacting them during the pandemic by requiring them (and their teams) to adapt to and (re)invent work processes. The study also showed a strong bond between the CHWs and the communities served.
Keywords
Community health worker; Primary health care; Covid-19; Work; Worker health
Access in: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250315
