Mental health in Primary Health Care from the perspectives of users and professionals

qualitative study

Authors

Keywords:

Mental Disorders, Mental Health Services, National Health Strategies, Barriers to Access of Health Services, Quality Assurance, Health Care

Abstract

Objective: To discuss the perceptions, challenges, and suggestions of participants regarding access and quality of mental health care in Primary Health Care.

Method: Qualitative study conducted between June and November 2024, with semi-structured interviews analyzed using Bardin's thematic content technique.

Results: 47 individuals participated, including 30 users with confirmed or under investigation mental disorder and 17 Family Health Strategy professionals. The analysis revealed four themes involving care challenges, user perceptions, professional perceptions, and strengthening suggestions.

Final considerations: The findings reinforce the centrality of Primary Health Care in mental health care and indicate the need for continuous training of teams, inclusion of mental health specialists in Basic Health Units, expansion of the service network, and strengthening of Primary Care through matrix support and multiprofessional action, to consolidate problem-solving, integrated, and humanized practices.

Author Biographies

Francisca Sheyla Viana Morais Costa, State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Nurse. Specialist in Mental Health and Family Health. State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Andreia Nunes Almeida Oliveira, State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Nurse. Master's student in Family Health. State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Antonio Rosa de Sousa Neto, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD student in Nursing. Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI, Brazil.

Graciara Letícia Bezerra Lima, University Center of the Planalto of the Federal District, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Nurse. Master's degree in Family Health. Professor at the University Center of the Planalto of the Federal District, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Gisane Romão Borges da Silva, State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Doctor. Master's student in Family Health. State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Larissa Maciel de Almeida, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.

Nurse. Master's in Family Health. Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.

Rosângela Nunes Almeida, State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Professor at the State University of Maranhão, Caxias, MA, Brazil.

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Published

2025-11-18

How to Cite

Costa, F. S. V. M., Oliveira, A. N. A., de Sousa Neto, A. R., Lima, G. L. B., da Silva, G. R. B., de Almeida, L. M., & Almeida, R. N. (2025). Mental health in Primary Health Care from the perspectives of users and professionals: qualitative study. Cogitare Enfermagem, 30. Retrieved from https://revistas.ufpr.br/cogitare/article/view/98945

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

Research

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Copyright (c) 2025 Francisca Sheyla Viana Morais Costa, Andreia Nunes Almeida Oliveira, Antonio Rosa de Sousa Neto, Graciara Letícia Bezerra Lima, Gisane Romão Borges da Silva, Larissa Maciel de Almeida, Rosângela Nunes Almeida

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