Mental health actions carried out by Family Health Strategy professionals in the countryside of Mato Grosso

Abstract

Introduction: The Family Health Strategy (ESF) plays a fundamental role in the organization of mental health care, as it constitutes an important primary care service that acts as the preferred entry point to the health system and enables continuous, territorialized, and comprehensive follow-up of the population's needs. Objetives:  To evaluate the mental health actions and records provided by ESF health professionals in the countryside of Mato Grosso. Method:This is a quantitative descriptive study carried out with 85 health professionals working in 19 ESF units, based on the application of a semi-structured questionnaire with a descriptive data analysis. Results: The findings revealed a predominance of female professionals, aged between 40 and 59 years, of mixed race, with specialization in public health. As for their work in PHC, the majority were public-sector professionals with up to five years of work in the ESF, with a workload of 40 hours per week. The majority addressed the demands of users with mental disorders (prescription management, home visits, reception and/or qualified listening, interconsultation with the specialized team), as well as carrying out actions on the subject (lectures). Nurses and doctors were responsible for most records in the e-SUS system, followed by Community Health Workers. Conclusion: It is concluded that health professionals meet mental health demands and also carry out and record interventions in the SUS computerized system. These actions may assist in organizing services and planning initiatives to prevent mental health issues and promote mental health within the community.