Participação social em saúde: limites e potencialidade de conselhos locais de saúde de uma metrópole brasileira

Abstract

This study analyzes the reasons associated with the participation of users in Local Health Councils (LHC) of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, by means of a qualitative and exploratory research. Semi-structured, individual interviews were carried out with 14 users, counselors or not, assigned to six Health Units. Data was treated using Content Analysis. In the end, the analysis identified six factors that hinder social participation: communication issues, lack of belief in the councils, lack of adequate infrastructure, meeting times, and situations of violence. Conversely, the factors that facilitate participation were mainly: contact with health workers, ethical-political standing, community projects, and proactivity. In conclusion, impeditive and facilitating factors to social participation belong to the same set of issues and are interconnected, complexifying the situation and putting into question participation itself.