Evaluation of a training program in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences for community health agents in Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Introduction: Community health agents (CHA) are professional health workers that develop an important work with Brazilian community and in the public health system implementation, due to their direct contact with the community. This population is experimenting epidemiological and demographic transitions drawing an increasing number of elderly people, thus the changes associated with aging process. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a training program for community health agents (CHA) from the city of Monte Negro, State of Rondônia, Brazil, regarding their knowledge on the aging process and its pathologies related to the Speech-language and Hearing Sciences. Methods: It was performed a cross-sectional study where the sample was constituted by 29 CHA, who were asked to fill a validated questionnaire about their socioeconomic status and another containing knowledge about SLP and the aging process pre and post training program. Results: The results presented the socioeconomic analysis showing that 90% of the sample was in the higher lower class and 45% have completed high school. Comparing data pre and post training program only one area presented a worsening score (Oral facial motor skills) and the others showed an improvement, while statistically significant difference occurred only in two areas (Audiology; Speech and Language). Conclusion: The training program met its objectives for the CHA by providing grants to train human resources and forwarding knowledge for those who need to work with the community by providing improvements on the quality of life.