Reflective study on participatory diagnosis as a community research strategy.

Objectives: to conceive a theoretical-reflective discussion about participatory diagnosis as a methodological option in participatory research.

Methods: this is a reflection study, based on an experience that used participatory diagnosis as a research strategy in a socially vulnerable community. It was intended to implicate social groups in the search for identification and solution to the problems.

Results: the use of participatory diagnosis has provided significant results regarding the importance given by participants to community empowerment in the fight for health, quality of life and social empowerment.

Final Considerations: participatory research and its relationship to participatory diagnosis favors the understanding of social issues, including health conditions, education and effective participation in problem solving.