Trabalho, Educação e Saúde - TES (Work, Education and Health) is an open access scientific journal, edited by the Joaquim Venâncio Polytechnic School of Health, from Oswaldo Cruz Foundation.
Care and the bond between users and health professionals are frequently analyzed in the Brazilian health system. However, the impact of intersectionality on this relationship is still little explored. In this article, we present findings from a qualitative study on the bond between community health workers and elderly, black, peripheral women, known as Nanas, in Primary Health Care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fourteen agents were interviewed in their workplaces. Discourse analysis revealed that the agents demonstrated culturally competent health care for the Nanas. They were motivated by their intersectional characteristics, believing that they shared similarities with these users, as exemplified in the statement: “She could be my mother”. Previous research into the influence of gender, class, and race on health care has shown that the perception of concordance improves care, promoting greater affection and empathy between health professionals and users. Given the historical challenges faced by Primary Health Care in promoting social justice and providing equitable care to all patients, this study highlights the importance of cultural competence, an essential attribute of Primary Health Care and a tool for comprehensive care, being strengthened by diversity among health workers.
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0046-7455