Perspectives of Brazilian Primary Care Nurses on Mental Health Care for Hypertensive Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Population longevity has been growing globally. In developing countries such as Brazil, the impact of this reality is enormous. The aging process is challenging for the healthcare system, making individuals more susceptible to chronic health conditions and mental health-related diseases. Primary healthcare (PHC) providers must be able to accompany older adults with their singularities in their work processes. This study aims to understand PHC nurses' perspectives on the mental health care of hypertensive older adults. This is a study with a qualitative approach, using in-depth interviews and a focus group with 16 nurses from the five Brazilian municipalities with the highest number of older adults. The themes that emerged from the data collection were possibilities of PHC, characterization of PHC, and mental health care in PHC. The study findings contribute to the knowledge base on how PHC nurses provide care to hypertensive older adults and which weaknesses they should overcome in their work environment. The different ways providers have been developing strategies to improve their care should be encouraged, improved, and systematized.