Access to health services by blind mothers: From coping to learning

Abstract

Objective: To know according to the perception and experiences of blind mothers how access to primary health care services occurs in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. Methods: This is a qualitative study conducted in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, with twenty blind mothers who had children from zero to ten years old. Data collection took place in the first half of 2017 through semi-structured interviews. Symbolic Interactionism was used as a theoretical framework and thematic content analysis, according to Bardin, as a method of analysis. Results: Data analysis allowed us to understand how the experience of accessibility of blind mothers in health units takes place. The categories learned in the study were: “Accessibility of blind mothers to health units” and “Children care in health units”. The professionals' lack of ability to care for people with disabilities was evidenced, pointing out a serious problem that needs to be minimized, with the preparation of these professionals from public health network since their academic training. Conclusion: It is also considered that much needs to be transformed in health services in search of accessibility for people with disabilities. The need to comply with legal standards in search of easier access for these blind mothers and their children to public services is evident.