Entraves e possibilidades no cuidado à população LGBT: concepções de enfermeiras da estratégia saúde da família.

Abstract

The prejudice and discrimination that the Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) population is subject to within the health services functions as a strong determinant and conditioner of health. The Family Health Strategy nurse plays an important role in the dissemination and implementation of Política Nacional de Saúde Integral de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais (PNSILGBT, in Portuguese), so that population can be seen and recognized in its specificities. Objective: To identify nurses' conception of PNSILGBT, besides listing the difficulties and strategies encountered by nurses in the production of care for LGBT people in the Family Health Strategy (ESF, in Portuguese). Method: Qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study developed at the ESF of the city of Cuité, Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected between March and April of 2018. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five FHS nurses. The empirical material was analyzed by thematic analysis and presented by categories. Results: Two categories emerged: 1) (Not) Knowing the PNSILGBT; 2) Difficulties and strategies in the production of care for the LGBT population. Conclusions: Nurses interviewed showed disinterest when questioned about the PNSILGBT, since they knew the existence of the policy, but never sought to know its content. In addition to the prejudice that the LGBT population is subject to, the nurses pointed out the intolerance of health managers as barriers to the access of this population to health services. It was also possible to identify a blame by health professionals for LGBT users because they did not seek health services, thus hindering the provision of such care. Final considerations: Although there are great social achievements in relation to the LGBT population, much still needs to be done, because the existence of the policy alone does not guarantee its effectiveness, it is necessary that there is a sensitization on the part of the professionals, especially the nurses which composes the ESF, so that humanized assistance is provided, in view of the real needs and specificities of this population. There needs to be improvements and greater investment in health and education, health services dissemination, production and distribution of educational materials, orientation actions and social support.