Psychology in childcare in the context of Primary Health Care in Salvador-BA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Child health care has passed through different socio-political contexts. Although the implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) has led to the expansion of health coverage, many challenges are imposed for this care. OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of psychologists in Primary Health Care regarding child care in UBS/USF/NASF-AB in the city of Salvador-BA. METHODOLOGY: This is a qualitative study with 7 psychologists from PHC. Initially, an online questionnaire was applied to survey the profile of the participants and later semi-structured interviews were carried out. After content analysis, the data were categorized into: profile of children assisted and caregivers; psychology perspective and main complaints; child care actions in the UBS/USF; network child care. RESULTS: Most psychologists are female, mother, black, and have previous experience in the Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS (Unified Health System). The majority of children are black and socioeconomically vulnerable. The challenges imposed were the invisibility of the child, the female overload as the main caregiver and the pandemic. The potential translates into action in the community, networking and the relationship with the multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSION: The challenges in PHC permeate the relationships between subjects and the political context. The research showed the importance of thinking about the professional praxis of Psychology related to childhood care.