Objective: To evaluate the Health Council from 1990 to 1993. To find out what is the knowledge and opinion of the Community about Health Council.
Design: Observational, descriptive and crossover study. SITE. Health Council in El Higuerón Health Center. Rural population. Córdoba.
Participants: Social agents and professionals who had participated in the Health Council's meetings during the three last years. Community of our suburb.
Measurements and main results: The records from three years ago have been analysed. A questionnaire was developed and answered in the community. Three focal groups, which had been done with social agents and health professional, have been analysed as well. Two groups of activities have been discussed: in relation to health problem of the community and in relation to Health Center's working. The 70% of them were carried out. Social agents took the initiative in 36%. Questionnaire: 92% of community think they must participate in the health's problems; 40% of community know the Health Council. Focal groups: Health Council is useful for improving the relation between Health Center and Community or for getting the Community to participate in this subject.
Conclusions: It is important to remain and increase its utilization. It is necessary to divulge the Health Council and its function.