Primary care in the context of the Zika epidemic and congenital Zika syndrome in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: context, bond and care

Abstract

The Zika epidemic brought to the fore the birth of children with unknown and unexpected needs that demand longitudinal follow-up, strengthening the bond, comprehensiveness and coordination of care in health, which are essential attributes of primary health care (PHC). This article aims to evaluate the orientation of PHC care, using the PCATool-Brasil. The data were collected between 2016 and 2019, by means of interviews with parents of children who were born in a public maternity hospital in Recife (state of Pernambuco) between October 2015 and February 2016, a critical period of the microcephaly outbreak, especially in the Northeast of Brazil. The parents of 109 children participated in the survey, 15.6% of which had a confirmed microcephaly diagnosis. The degree of affiliation and access was sufficient, but the aspects of coordination of care, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, family and community orientation were insufficient. In the context of congenital Zika syndrome, these attributes are essential for the care of children and families. The fostering of health from these domains depends on the orientation of the models of care and their management with state and federal investments. The defense of life depends on the ability to place life above all other rationalities.