Merss CE, Cunha JAP, Mahl G, Braga CG. Mental health screening by community health workers: a pilot study of collective perceptions and experience sharing. Interface (Botucatu). 2025; 29: e250317 Doi: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250317
Abstracts
This study investigated the role played by community health workers (CHWs) in mental health screening in primary health care (PHC) services based on the results of a pilot project with CHWs from a family health strategy team in the state of Paraná. Training was provided using the “Guide for Identifying Mental Health Signs and Symptoms”, followed by a qualitative and quantitative assessment using tests and a focus group. The results showed that the training broadened the CHWs’ perspective of mental suffering, highlighting the key role they play in the Psychosocial Care Network. However, challenges remain, including lack of integration between PHC and specialized services and the need for continuing education. It is concluded that CHW training is crucial for early detection and mental health care, requiring coordination and structured support from the network.
Keywords
Mental health; Primary health care; Community health workers; Family health strategy; Mental health services
Access In: https://doi.org/10.1590/interface.250317
