Conhecimento e vivência de profissionais da Atenção Básica sobre suicídio

Abstract

Suicide is a public health problem that affects families, communities and society as a whole. For the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide prevention should be considered a public health priority. In this context, Primary Care (AB), as it is the gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS), requires that its professionals are qualified to assist service users and identify protective and suicide prevention factors, guaranteeing them assistance. and appropriate follow-up. This study aimed to analyze the knowledge and experience translated into the practices of primary care health professionals on the phenomenon of suicide in the city of Parnamirim/RN. This is an exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with 15 nurses from the Family Health Strategy (ESF) teams. To this end, data collection was performed through individual semistructured interviews, after consent and signing of the free and informed consent form (ICF) of the research. Subcategories: 3.1. Potential and limits identified for the development of suicide prevention practices in the territory and, 3.2. Challenges for suicide prevention in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. It was evidenced that mental health care in primary care is still incipient and focused on the biomedical model, with professionals showing little approximation with this area of care. Regarding care for people with suicidal behavior, difficulties were reported regarding the approach and management of this phenomenon. Suicide prevention actions are limited to the campaign called “Yellow September” and the limiting factors refer to the lack of management support, the need for permanent education, the absence of matrix support and the fragmentation of the Psychosocial Care Network. Despite the difficulties encountered, the participants pointed out potentialities that contribute to preventive activities, namely: the presence of AB and ESF teams with professionals committed to the territory and the establishment of a bond, as well as the intersectoral partnership with the Center for Social Assistance Reference (CRAS). As a product of the professional master's degree and the research carried out, we present a practical guide for preventing the occurrence of the phenomenon of suicide in the daily life of FHS/AB professionals entitled Preventing suicide in Primary Health Care. It is considered that studying the practices of professionals on the phenomenon of suicide in Primary Care, the gateway to health demands, including those related to mental health, makes it possible to identify the limits and potential that exist in the service, which may contribute to the ESF/AB professionals rethink their practice and seek early identification and interventions to prevent suicidal behavior and acts.