At the crossroads: care policies, intersectionality and harm reduction among men living in rural communities in the Bahian outback

Abstract

Health care policies are underpinned by basic principles and practice guidelines, especially in primary health care, the “front door” of Brazilian National Health System (SUS). The aim of this study was to analyze the interface between the National Policy for Comprehensive Men's Health Care and the National Harm Reduction Policy. We conducted a descriptive qualitative study based on the triangulation of ethnographic data, thematic analysis of national policies and analytical categories used by the social sciences. Drawing on the contributions of the social sciences and confluences between this area and the field of health, it was found that the day-to-day practice of services has only incorporated the social and cultural context to a limited extent. Our findings also reveal the need to strengthen existing care policies to ensure the continuity of the health and mental health reform in Brazil.