<b>Assistance made available to suicidal behavior in public health units: the nurses awareness</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v7i4.6628

Abstract

Suicidal behavior represents a severe public health problem so that preventive actions are needed. The nurses in charge of primary health care have a close connection with the surrounding community, making the identification of risk factors to suicide possible and thus enabling its prevention. The objective of this study is analyzing the nurses' perceptions regarding the care rendered to users presenting such behavior at the Basic Health Units. It is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collecting was performed by means of semi-structured interviews with the nurses. For analysis purposes, the thematic content analysis technique was utilized. Results evidence that the prevention and maintenance of the users' life quality are the goals of the work; however, few preventive actions have been developed so far. The nurses reported that they have had few opportunities to provide care to individuals with such problem. The suicidal behavior is witnessed mainly by community health agents. Access difficulties to the services of mental health care have also been identified. The results of this study indicate the need of the creation of social networks in the health sector in order to establish partnerships and offer approach alternatives and care to the individuals showing suicidal behavior. These findings may, therefore, serve as a basis for proposals of actions aiming at the integrality of care in the primary health care.