Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic under care in primary health care: perception of nurses

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of nurses about the effects of the pandemic on Primary Health Care. METHODS: Qualitative study, conducted through interviews, applied among 10 nurses who compose the family health strategies of a city in Alto Sertão Paraibano. All participants signed the Free and Informed Consent Form. RESULTS: Results were analyzed in three phases, and organized into five topics: impaired performance of essential activities; impaired comprehensiveness of care; impaired longitudinality of care; impact on the mental health of health professionals; and, perspectives for the future. CONCLUSION: The impact caused by the pandemic affects professionals and users. In mental health, the reports expose the increase in cases of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. Considering the reorganization of the service, with less focus on prevention of other diseases, there is apprehension about future effects, such as late diagnosis, increase of comorbidities, among other aggravations generated in the long term.