Citation

Freitas Setti AF, Bogus CM. Saude Soc. 2010; 19(4): 946-960.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saúde Pública da USP : Associação Paulista de Saúde Pública)

DOI

10.1590/S0104-12902010000400020

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article discusses the concepts of participation and empowerment in Health Promotion and Sustainable Development, considering the local implementation agendas: Healthy Cities and Agenda 21, and taking into account the importance of evaluation in this context. This was achieved through the analysis of an intervention in an area of water springs - Programa Bairro Ecologico (PBE - Ecological Neighborhood Program) -, which was developed in 51 neighborhoods of the city of Sao Bernardo do Campo, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study aimed to evaluate the processes of community participation and empowerment through the actions triggered by the PBE. Questionnaires were administered to and focal groups were conducted with residents of neighborhoods where the intervention took place. Individual interviews were performed with managers of the program and of the Judiciary. Results indicated that participation in the implementation of PBE favored the individual and group empowerment, present in both the studied communities. The communities became more organized. There is evidence that the decision-making processes are centralized. Nevertheless, the communities feel that their participation in the program brings them many good things. There was a participatory process in the development of the program, although some accounts point to mandatory participation. It is important to highlight the impact of leadership involvement and strengthening in the implementation and sustainability of the program. Regarding the latter, it was found that environmental awareness has been a determining factor for the implementation and maintenance of actions over time.

Language: pt