Health of the Syrian population: perceptions of Primary Health Care professionals in the technical health supervision of Mooca in the city of São Paulo

Abstract

The study aimed to know the perceptions, attitudes and practices of the professionals of Basic Health Units on the Syrian population. Methodology: A qualitative exploratory study using focal groups to collect data from health professionals and interview with a refugee reception organization representative. Results: The following categories of analysis were established: 1. Profile of the Syrian population that seeks care in the UBS; 2. Reasons why the health service is sought; 3. Difficulties perceived during service to the Syrian population; 4. Resources used to deal with difficulties in care; 5. Cultural aspects of interference in the health of the Syrian population. The demand for medical care occurs predominantly in Hospitals and Emergency Care. The most used services were: prenatal care, treatment of chronic diseases, psychological care and vaccination. The difficulties perceived were: language, habits and customs, stigmas about culture and religion, discrimination, prejudice and lack of documents. The resources used refer mainly to communication. Identified interference factors: customs, habits, beliefs, language, preexisting diseases, religion, domestic and social violence and adherence to treatment. Need identified for SUS: training health professionals on multiculturalism and the approximation of health services to non-governmental organizations working with this population.