PERCEPÇÕES DAS EQUIPES DE SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA SOBRE O CUIDADO PROFISSIONAL ÀS CRIANÇAS INDÍGENAS 1

This qualitative study aimed to identify the professionals' perceptions of family health teams on the care provided for indigenous children. Depth interviews have been conducted with nine professionals who work in the health teams in two Indigenous Settlements of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data content analysis has been discussed in the light of Madeleine Leininger's Theory. Young adults have characterized the interviewees profile, lack of specific training to work with indigenous health care and job turnover. Two categories have come up: ways to develop care and relationship between the team leaders and indigenous community. Contradictions between the desire to respect indigenous costumes and the anxiety to solve their health needs have favored the necessary behavior on professional care. Communication obstacles are among the difficulties encountered by the team. Childcare has followed a collective model on that population, in which indigenous leaders evaluate the professionals work.