The action of municipal health council: diagnosis and analysis of interference in the social participation

Objective: to analyze the actions of the health councilors and users of the family health strategy in the health decisions of a city in the interior of Bahia and identify possible issues which might interfere with in the participation of citizens in decision-making in health. Method: this study is a qualitative descriptive exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with six health councilors. The selection criteria for the study were: to be an effective member of the Municipal Health Council (CMS), assiduously attend regular and special meetings of the CMS and agree to sign an Informed Consent (TCLE). The interviews were taped, transcribed and later analyzed through content analysis, in the form of thematic analysis as approved by the Ethics Committee in Research in the nursing area by the Federal University of Pelotas under protocol number 29/2009. Results: it was identified, with the findings, dissatisfaction with Municipal Health Council because of absenteeism of members in regular meetings and the lack of periodicity of these, little interest, knowledge and popular participation. Conclusion: it is noticed the limitations of local reality, showing that participatory practice only be reached after trespass the social and cultural obstacles to implementation of citizenship. Descriptors: family health program; social participation; public policy. RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a atuação dos conselheiros de saúde e usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família nas decisões de saúde de um município do interior da Bahia e identificar possíveis questões que poderiam interferir na participação destes munícipes na tomada de decisões em saúde. Método: estudo de caráter qualitativo exploratório-descritivo, realizado por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas a seis conselheiros municipais de saúde. Os critérios de seleção para participar do estudo foram: ser membro efetivo do Conselho Municipal de Saúde (CMS), participar assiduamente das reuniões ordinárias e extraordinárias do CMS e aceitar assinar o Termo de ...