[Ageing and dementia: what do community health workers know?].
The objective of this qualitative study was to assess the knowledge of community health workers (CHW) with respect to aging and dementia, with the purpose of assisting the implantation of caregiving services focused on dementia, in a city in the State of São Paulo. All ethical guidelines were followed. In all, 51 CHW were evaluated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data analysis was based on content analysis. In response to the question, What does elderly mean, for you?, the majority of the workers associated old age with chronologically advanced age and with negative aspects of aging, such as physical and social dependence. With respect to the concept of dementia, the majority of those interviewed defined dementia as a biological problem that affects the brain, compromising memory functions and resulting in dependency. The results demonstrate the need for an educational program for CHW, in the area of gerontology.
Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. heloisefernandes@usp.br
Heloise da Costa Lima
Hda C
Fernandes
Sofia Cristina Iost
SC
Pavarini
Elizabeth Joan
EJ
Barham
Mariza Silvana Zazzetta
MS
de Mendiondo
Bruna Moretti
BM
Luchesi
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging; D001938:Brazil; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male