Papel do enfermeiro na prevenção e manejo da depressão em idosos na atenção primária à saúde.

Abstract

Depression is a disease that alters an individual's mental health status, impacting life and well-being. In the elderly, this disease is more difficult to diagnose early, as most of the time professionals link the symptoms to other pre-existing diseases. Objective: To analyze the role of nurses in relation to the prevention and management of depression in the elderly in Primary Health Care; Identify the strategies developed by Primary Health Care nurses from the perspective of preventing depression in the elderly; Describe the nursing actions and care offered to elderly people diagnosed with depression. Method: Exploratory-descriptive research with a qualitative approach, carried out with five nurses working in Primary Health Care in the municipality of Cuité/PB. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview guide. And after collection, the material was analyzed according to the content analysis proposed by Bardin. It is noteworthy that the study was assessed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CEP), under Certificate of Presentation and Ethical Appreciation (CAAE) number 67420723.4.0000.0154. Results and Discussion: The absence of actions in UBSFs focused on mental health was identified, as it is known that the role of nursing goes beyond instructional care related to medications, but in assisting the patient as a whole. With regard to the prevention of depression, the nurse must encourage actions aimed at the well-being of the elderly, such as practicing physical activities, participating in social groups, carrying out nursing consultations with a focus on qualified listening, in order to identify signs and symptoms suggestive of geriatric depression. So that care is offered efficiently and resolutely. Conclusion: It can be concluded that nursing plays a fundamental role in preventing and tracking depressive symptoms and signs, as these are in more direct contact with patients, and can prevent the disease from taking hold. when care is offered early.