Role Of Public Health Nurses Research Articles

Support for Siblings of Children With Complex Care Needs: Public Health Nurses' Perceptions of Their Role in Primary Schools.

To explore the role of public health nurses (PHNs) in Norwegian primary school health services in supporting siblings who have a brother or a sister with complex care needs. A qualitative, exploratory design using focus groups combined with visual methods. Nineteen Norwegian PHNs participated in three focus group discussions between May and September 2022. The nurses were asked to draw themselves as PHNs working in primary schools. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic approach was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. The drawings were analysed using critical visual analysis methodology. The findings revealed that PHNs in primary schools focused on establishing good relationships and found it important to be flexible and creative. However, a challenge to successful service provision in supporting siblings and their families was that the nurses lacked support for the implementation of health promotion interventions and often felt alone. The analysis elicited three main themes: 'the importance of relationships and flexibility in meeting siblings' needs', 'feeling alone with responsibility for supporting siblings' and 'the forgotten children: a need for coordinated services'. PHNs in school health services are in a unique position to provide support to improve siblings' mental health and well-being. To fully benefit from PHNs' potential to support siblings, there is a need to clarify guidelines and develop evidence-based interventions. This study provides valuable insights for health authorities, educators and practitioners on what inhibits sibling support in Norway. The study highlights the potential for PHNs to play a significant role in delivering timely health-promoting interventions for these siblings in school settings independent of context. This study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). No patient or public contribution.

Involvement of public health nurses in supporting mothers after maternity health checkups

Objectives This study aimed to analyze and clarify the role of public health nurses (PHNs) in assisting mothers who need assistance during antenatal checkups.Methods This study was conducted in core city, A. The study participants were PHNs who experienced supporting at least three mothers who required support during maternity health checkups. We interviewed the respondents about their observations, decision points, difficulties in coordination, and other aspects of support. Data were extracted from verbatim transcripts and analyzed inductively.Results Sixteen PHNs participants had an average of 9.3 years of experience. The analysis included 10 categories, 43 subcategories, and four themes. PHNs connected with mothers early depending on the mothers' wants, based on information gathered during the gestational period (theme 1). PHNs make early telephone visits to mothers based on information obtained during the gestational period. If the mother did not respond to the initial visit, the PHNs attempted to establish contact through other means.PHNs carefully observed and assessed mothers' childcare routines and mental and physical conditions (theme 2). To assess the mothers' mental health status, they were interviewed in detail using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Determining the mother's condition was challenging; therefore, several PHNs conducted multiple visits and repeated the observations to achieve accurate assessments.The PHNs stayed close to their mothers and carefully supported them toward independence while assessing their progress (theme 3). PHNs established trusting relationships with mothers.PHNs served as coordinators in resolving problems and provided ongoing support in cooperation with medical institutions and related organizations (theme 4). The PHNs carefully coordinated consultations and encouraged mothers to consult psychiatrists if appropriate. Conclusion Although PHNs provided attentive care to mothers requiring assistance, difficulties arise in accurately diagnosing postpartum depression and connecting mothers to psychiatric services. Guidelines that standardize the assessment of and responses to mental health issues are required. It is necessary to organize the problems faced by mothers and develop a system of cooperation among various organizations.

Ideals and Reality of Public Health Nursing in Korea: Influence of U.S. Nurse Advisors, 1945~1961.

South Korea's national healthcare system after liberation often described as transformation from 'sanitation' to 'public health'. The U.S. military government introduced public health nursing as the primary vehicle for communicating the newly introduced concept of public health to the Korean public. This meant that nursing, which had been in a subordinate position within the healthcare system during the Japanese occupation, had to be repositioned within the healthcare system as an independent and leading professional agent of healthcare. At the same time creating positions for public health nurses within the newly envisioned health center system, and convincing the public that nurses were the primary agents of public health activities. Yet, in resource limited setting, the role of public health nurses was significantly scaled back. Initial plans for institutionalized, community-wide health care through home visits shifted to addressing the challenges facing Korean society, including maternal and child health and infectious disease prevention. Ironically, the expansion of health centers during late 1950s diminished the position of public health nurses within local government health systems, who were gradually replaced by male administrative staff. The role of public health nurses was greatly curtailed in the 1960s, but they laid the groundwork for later community nursing and health care efforts. At the same time, public health nurses were assigned with new role of 'visiting' local health centers for observation, education, and management. Public health nursing allows to look beyond the ideological and institutional dimensions to examine how new concepts and practices of "public health" were actually transmitted to communities in post-liberation Korea.

Development and verification of community development index for improving functioning of aged people in rural districts (third report): data collection and analysis system on social mutual aid are desired for community development for elderly persons living in rural districts.

The author conducted a survey on social mutual aid and the social stimulative effect of older adults living in a rural district, and compared young old and old-old persons to clarify the roles of public health nurses in promoting community development. A cross-sectional study based on Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization was conducted with 2,500 residents aged 65 years or older of City A in Akita Prefecture. The study was conducted from April 8 to May 15, 2017. Participants were administered a questionnaire containing items on "social mutual aid in the rural district". Responses were recorded on a Likert scale. As a result of factor analysis, the following four factors were extracted; [Blessing of a rural district and mutual help and assistance unique to a rural district], [Closeness of healthcare welfare service and family doctors in conjunction with their own health], [Decline of culture and community unique to rural districts accompanied by depopulation] and [Closeness of the town where they live]. Differences were observed in the closeness of social mutual aid and local societal stimulative effects, even between generations of old and old-old persons. In young-old persons, a negative correlation was observed between [Closeness of the town where they live] and other factors. In old-old persons, a negative correlation was found between [Decline of culture and community unique to rural districts accompanied by depopulation] and other factors. Since not only individual health indices but also local social mutual aid, which relates to individuals' influence on the construction of a Community-based Integrated Care System in a rural district, the author posits that a data collection and analysis system on social mutual aid would be beneficial for community development for older adults living in rural districts.

Training Public Health Nurses on Disaster Shelter Care Using a Flipped Classroom Approach.

With the increase in natural disasters and the expected role of public health nurses (PHNs) in responding, it is crucial to develop evidence-based disaster preparedness and management training programs tailored to the needs of PHNs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a flipped classroom approach in disaster training for PHNs. A total of 42 PHNs completed a 5-hour online training program and an in-person 8-hour training session at a local nursing school. Surveys measuring self-reported confidence and knowledge were completed at the beginning and end of the online and in-person training. The average years of experience as an RN and PHN were 12.3 years and 6.7 years, respectively. Approximately 64% of participants had never deployed during a disaster. The pre- and posttest demonstrated a large effect size, indicating the effectiveness of both online and in-person training. The online training resulted in significant changes in knowledge. The in-person training showed a statistically significant increase in confidence across all measures. Online and in-person disaster preparedness training programs can effectively enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of PHNs. The majority of participants expressed that the training better prepared them to work in disaster shelters.

Expanded role of public health nurses during COVID-19 pandemic

Expanded role of public health nurses during COVID-19 pandemic

Evolving Roles of Public Health Nurses in the Age of Pandemics: A Rapid Review

Background: Public health nurses are essential in reacting to and controlling pandemics. Their responsibilities have changed as the globe faces more intricate health issues relating to newly developing infectious illnesses. This literature review aims to identify suggestions to enhance public health nurses' practice and offer a thorough knowledge of the changing responsibilities of public health nurses in the era of pandemics. Methods: The important themes, difficulties, and possibilities connected to public health nursing during pandemics were highlighted after relevant papers were found through a thorough search of databases. Conclusion: Public health nurses play a vital role in combating new infectious illnesses, utilising technology, bolstering health systems, fostering interprofessional teamwork, advocating for health equality, engaging communities, and supporting mental health and wellbeing. However, they deal with serious issues such as a lack of skilled labour, poor funding, and quickly advancing knowledge. Enhancing workforce planning and development, bolstering public health infrastructure, creating and disseminating evidence-based guidelines and protocols, encouraging interprofessional collaboration and education, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, and supporting continuous learning and professional development are all recommendations for improving pandemic preparedness and response.

What was happening in the collaboration between general practitioners and public health nurses in the community: A qualitative study.

Interprofessional collaboration in the community is becoming essential in primary care, particularly collaboration between public health nurses and general practitioners. However, the precise value of such collaboration has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative analysis of collaboration between general practitioners and public health nurses in the community to explore the details of the phenomenon and its possible impact on the community. Since 2015, The University of Toyama has been implementing the Collaborative Health Activities Project, in which general practitioners and public health nurses work together to promote community health. Focus group and individual interviews were conducted with participating staff, and the data were analyzed qualitatively. Fifteen themes were generated, in six categories. The categories were as follows: enhanced roles of public health nurses and physicians in the community, new perspectives on the community, public health nurses' sense of trust and empathy toward physicians, bonds of solidarity between public health nurses and physicians, proactive change in residents, and supporting "hangout places". The collaboration between general practitioners and public health nurses familiar with the same community fostered a sense of trust and empathy and created the bonds of solidarity between staff and residents. The results also suggest the collaboration may have a positive impact on the local community by inspiring residents to change proactively and supporting "hangouts" where residents and professionals can informally connect.

The Vital Role of Public Health Nurses in Perinatal HIV Prevention and Elimination.

Perinatal HIV transmission remains a significant public health challenge, with an estimated 160,000 children newly infected with HIV each year. Public health nurses play a critical role in the prevention and elimination of perinatal HIV transmission through targeted interventions such as identification of pregnant women with HIV, referral and linkage to care, provision of antiretroviral therapy, and follow-up and retention in care for both mothers and infants. However, significant barriers to successful implementation exist, including stigma and discrimination, limited access to healthcare services, socioeconomic factors, and limited resources. Addressing these barriers will require a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, community engagement, and targeted support and resources for affected families. In this review article, we provide an overview of the epidemiology of perinatal HIV transmission, current strategies for prevention and elimination, and the vital role of public health nurses in these efforts. We will also discuss the barriers to the successful implementation of public health nurse interventions and the future directions for research and practice in this field. Ultimately, the goal of perinatal HIV prevention and elimination can only be achieved through a sustained and collaborative effort across multiple sectors and stakeholders, with public health nurses playing a crucial role in this effort.

Relationship between changes in the public health nurses’ workforce and the empirical Bayes estimates of standardized mortality ratio: a longitudinal ecological study of municipalities in Japan

BackgroundThe role of public health nurses (PHNs) in the community is expected to become increasingly important, along with the promotion of a comprehensive community care system. However, a comprehensive study of all municipalities is yet to be undertaken, and the relationship between the workforce of PHNs and health indicators is yet to be clarified. This study examined the effect of workforce change among PHNs, one of the structural indicators of PHNs’ activities regarding changes in the empirical Bayes estimate of standardized mortality ratios (EBSMRs).MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using municipality-level aggregate data. The data used were publicly available Japanese government statistics. The first-difference model of panel data analysis was used to examine the relationship between changes in EBSMR and changes in the number of PHNs per 100,000 population from 2010 to 2015, adjusting for the effects of population and other healthcare resources, including the number of physicians, medical clinics, general hospitals, and welfare facilities. The variation by the 47 prefectures was added to the linear model as a random effect. We also performed a sensitivity analysis using the full Bayesian inference using the Besag-York-Mollie model.ResultsFor males, EBSMRs for all causes and malignant neoplasms significantly decreased with an increase in the number of PHNs per population (coefficients: -1.00 and -0.89, p values: 0.008 and 0.043, respectively). For females, although all EBSMRs except malignant neoplasms showed decreased tendencies due to the increase in the number of PHNs per population, none of them were significant. The full Bayesian inference confirmed these associations.ConclusionsAn increase in the number of PHNs per population was significantly associated with a greater reduction in deaths from all causes and malignant neoplasms in males. The results of the full Bayesian inference also suggest that the workforce of PHNs may be related to changes in standardized mortality ratios for deaths from all causes in females.

Community Resilience After Hurricanes: Can Neuman's Systems Theory Guide Public Health Nursing?

Objective: Examination of community resilience after Hurricane Harvey and -applicability of Neuman's systems model to the role of public health nurses in applying primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies to communities susceptible to natural disasters. Design: Descriptive, exploratory study. Sample: A convenience sample (N = 1,470). Measurements: Hurricane Harvey Survey. Results: Respondents from seven counties in southeast Texas report previously experiencing a hurricane (80%) with no weather-related flooding (79%), adequate preparation (54%), failure to comprehend the potential severity of Hurricane Harvey (62%), damage to their homes (45%), and a 68% loss of personal belongings. Anxiety, frustration, disbelief, determination, and hopefulness were rated highest after the storm. Residents received updates from family and friends, social media, and online news reports regarding rising water, even though, in many cases, a mandatory evacuation was not officially announced. Only 35% of respondents reported being aware of resources available, possibly due to flooding or inaccessibility of typical resources (e.g., hospitals, shelters). Communicating through social networks (social media, family, and friends) provided avenues for arranging evacuations and assistance. Respondents report giving assistance to others and receiving assistance from family, friends, and their faith community. The majority of respondents reported that the community provided adequate services during the hurricane (59%), and they plan to stay in southeast Texas (70%). Conclusions: Southeast Texas residents demonstrated individual and community resilience which may be further supported with primary, secondary, and tertiary nursing interventions as illustrated by Neuman's systems model. The rise in positive emotional response traits demonstrates positive coping, which is consistent with resilience. Effective and timely communication through social networks provides an additional line of resistance to protect and promote the resilience of the community. The lack of medical resources indicates a break in the normal line of defense and an area for potential improvement with the utilization of mobile medical units to provide healthcare for areas not easily accessible during a disaster. Public health nurses are strategically positioned in the international community to lead prevention and recovery efforts by applying theory-based community interventions.

El rol de la enfermería en el ámbito de la salud pública

ObjectiveIdentify the role of public health nurses and differentiate it from that of community care nurses in the context of Catalonia, through the experiences and perspectives of professionals in the field of public health. MethodDescriptive phenomenological qualitative study. Fourteen interviews were conducted with key informants, from the field of public health and community care, selected by i purposive sampling. Content analysis using thematic methodology, creation of categories from the triangulation of results. ResultsThe professional competencies and functions performed by nursing in the field of public health are analysed. Most of the specific functions were the ones related to “care” and the “global vision” of health. The indeterminacy of functions and roles, related to gender inequality, leads to a low recognition of the profession and a lack of appropriateness of the professional category, reflected in a low presence of nurses in management positions in public health. Although some competencies are shared with the family and community nurse, there are also differences. ConclusionsThis study sheds light on the role of public health nursing, often overlooked. It is urgent to define public health nurses role and functions, in order to avoid inequalities and increase their recognition.

APPROACH OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

Chronic illness is a condition with increasing prevalence that requires medical care and affects children physically, psychosocially, and academically. Globally, one in four children is affected by chronic illnesses, accounting for approximately 10-30% of the total child population. In recent years, there has been an observed increase in the number of children monitored for chronic illnesses in Turkey. It is reported that 10-20% (approximately 700,000) of children under the age of 18 are followed up for chronic illnesses. Aim: This compilation is designed to examine how chronic illnesses in childhood affect children and their parents, coping mechanisms in this situation, and the roles of public health nurses in light of the literature. Method: The literature review of the study was conducted between November 15 and December 5, 2023. During the search, queries were performed using the keywords 'Chronic illness' AND 'Parent' AND 'Public health nursing' OR 'Chronic illness' AND 'Parent' AND 'Coping methods' along with their English translations on search engines such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Ebscohost, Scopus, and CINAHL. Results: Chronic illnesses during childhood are categorized based on age groups: infancy (0-1 year), toddlerhood (1-3 years), preschool period (3-6 years), school-age period (6-12 years), and adolescence (12-18 years). Subsequently, the impact of chronic illness on parents and the role of nurses, the effect of chronic illness on siblings, coping mechanisms for children with chronic illnesses, and nursing care based on age groups are discussed. Conclusion: Coping with chronic illnesses can be a challenging process for both children and their families. Therefore, the support provided by healthcare professionals, especially public health nurses, to these families is of critical importance.

Sustainable Development Goals in Ireland: How Public Health Nurses Are Contributing Through Engagement in an Interagency Community Pediatric Clinic.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted as a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity by 2030. SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages, and other goals focus on reduction of inequality, abolition of poverty, decent work for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. A community pediatric clinic, Kidscope, was established in a vulnerable Irish community offering free developmental assessment and onward referral of children 0 to 6 years. The Kidscope model involves multiagency input with local public health nurses (PHNs) acting as fundamental partners in the provision of specialist early years support to vulnerable children and families. This study evaluates PHN involvement in Kidscope in the context of SDGs. To record and understand PHN roles within Kidscope and to capture their contribution to achieving SDGs in a disadvantaged Irish community. Qualitative stakeholder analysis and mapping design. Snowball sampling identified participants. Data collection involved scoping interviews, questionnaires, one-to-one interviews, and a focus group. A Stakeholder Matrix Table was developed in line with the guiding framework. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. PHNs are key stakeholders in Kidscope contributing to clinic development, delivery, and sustainability. Six themes were identified: lead referrers, in-clinic support, learning and education, child and family follow-up, specialist early years role, and partnership working. PHNs contribute to six SDGs through the Kidscope model. PHNs are fundamental partners in achieving SDGs in a disadvantaged Irish community through ameliorating childhood developmental delay by intercepting the gap within Ireland's early intervention system and disrupting the impact exclusion to healthcare has on vulnerable children and their families. Findings underscore a shift from the current "cradle to grave" model of working toward a specialist early years PHN role.

Difficulties and distress experienced by Japanese public health nurses specializing in quarantine services when dealing with COVID-19: A qualitative study in peri-urban municipality.

Public health nurses (PHNs) are among the few municipal civil servants who lead community infection control and prevention initiatives in Japanese public health centers (PHCs). This study aims to investigate the distress faced by PHNs and clarify their difficulties and working environment relative to infection prevention control activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We adopted a qualitative description methodology in this study of 12 PHNs who were involved in COVID-19 prevention and control in PHCs in Prefecture A. The distress during the early phase of the pandemic was due to the uncertainty of the SARS-CoV-2 related disease, which caused panic in medical institutions and among residents. PHNs were overwhelmed, distressed and exhausted by their inability to control the 'pandemic', lack of patient cooperation for prevention control and the unsustainable organizational environment. They were also distressed because they were one of the specialized personnel responsible for saving residents' lives with limited medical resources and while having identity crises due to an inability to carry out the PHN's role of controlling infection in the community. For future crises, rapid, drastic innovation defying conventional organizational systems is critical to reform sustainable organizations so that they play an effective role in the community. Innovation in crisis communication and strengthening the medical system will help achieve a resilient community in a health crisis.

Exploring the context, role and impact of public health nursing during COVID-19: A multiple case study protocol.

AimThe purpose of this study is to: (a) describe public health nursing roles over the course of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada; (b) describe the contextual factors that influence public health nursing role implementation; and (c) describe nurses' perceived impact of their roles on client outcomes and professional/personal nursing practice.DesignDescriptive multiple case study.MethodsRecruitment of public health nurses (PHNs), working in direct service or administrative leadership positions, in an Ontario public health unit will be conducted through purposive and snowball sampling. Nursing roles will be compared and contrasted across three cases differentiated by geographic setting: urban, urban–rural, northern. In each geographic case, a priori estimates of sample size will include 10 PHNs providing direct care and at least five nurses in an administrative leadership role; with an overall estimated study sample size of 45 individuals. Demographic data will be collected using an online anonymous survey. Individual semi‐structured interviews with PHNs, and focus groups with nursing administrators will be conducted via telephone and audio‐recorded. Individual interviews and focus groups will be transcribed verbatim. Reflexive thematic analysis will be used to generate emergent themes in each case and cross‐case synthesis will be used to compare and contrast patterns across geographic cases.DiscussionExpected findings will provide an in‐depth analysis of the rapidly evolving roles and functions of PHNs throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic and their impact on individuals, families and communities. As well, findings will provide a new understanding about the contextual barriers and facilitators of PHN role implementation in their working environments.ImpactStudy findings can support decision‐making in relation to funding, resource allocation and supportive work structures and processes at a public health system and/or individual public health organization level.

IMPROVING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON PERITONEAL DIALYSIS THROUGH PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES: A DOCUMENT REVIEW

Introduction: Lack of understanding of peritoneal dialysis could be the main cause of the low number of its users in Aceh. To increase its awareness, public health nurses have a crucial role in public health services. This article aims to analyze the factors that cause the community's lack of understanding of peritoneal dialysis and offer solutions by refining the role of public health nurses.
 Method: The study used a Document Review by SWOT Analysis with 2x2 matrix. The documents were extracted from Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Pubmed, and Semantic Scholar. The indicators and the inclusion criteria were respondent (public health nurses), research method (quantitative), year (from 2015 to 2020) and language (English and Indonesian). The keywords in the search were the roles of nurses in public health centers (Puskesmas), Aceh nurses, and peritoneal dialysis.
 Results: The study screened 28 documents in which 23 documents met the eligibility and 16 documents that met the study selection were reviewed.
 Conclusion: The study suggested that the Acehnese have the potential to develop the CAPD program through the Public Health Center (Puskesmas) nurses approach.

The first line of prevention: A public health nursing advocacy video.

Public health nurses (PHNs) serve as the first line of prevention in public health and safety threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Although PHNs provide vital services to protect communities and populations' health, a pervasive lack of knowledge exists regarding the PHN role among policymakers and the general public. Advocacy for investment in the public health nursing workforce remains a priority as staffing and financial constraints have created sizeable barriers for PHNs during the COVID-19 response. Creating an advocacy video with personal stories from PHNs emerges as a powerful and cost-effective strategy to increase the visibility of PHNs. For this project, interviews with PHNs from COVID-19 hot spots were used to create a 3-min advocacy video. PHNs featured in this video discussed the implications of rerouting resources to combat COVID-19 for the populations they serve. The authors disseminated the video through popular social media venues, public health and nursing organizations and nurse influencers to reach nursing students, faculty, and the public. Over an 8-week period, the video received 2732 views on social media with an average view duration of 2 min. This article includes strategies to maximize the impact of an advocacy video when shared with relevant stakeholders.

Identifying the role of public health nurses during first postnatal visits: Experiences of mothers and public health nurses in Ireland.

Explore the views and experiences of quality of care provided during a first postnatal visit from the perspectives of mothers and public health nurses. Quality of nursing care is high on the policy agenda internationally, especially in the year of Nurse and Midwife. Public health nurses are acknowledged nationally and globally as essential health professionals supporting infants and parents. The first postnatal visit provided by the public health nurse is a complex intervention for mothers incorporating physical, social, educational and emotional support, and we know little about the quality of care provided. International evidence suggests a lack of consensus in setting priorities for this crucial visit. Exploratory, qualitative design, utilising focus groups and interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Nineteen public health nurses from all four health service regions and five mothers from one health service region were interviewed to explore the quality of care provided during first postnatal visits. Adopting qualitative data collection methods for the study; five individual semi-structured interviews with mothers ascertained their experiences of care. Further, four focus groups with public health nurses explored their understanding of the quality of care provided to mothers. The data collection period was August 2015 to January 2016. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Mothers and public health nurses identified that public health nurses were crucial for providing support during the first postnatal visit as mothers required care and advice around physical, psychological and social wellbeing for themselves and their new infant. Discordant experiences of quality care and lack of standardisation of care practices emerged. Nurses identified relationship building, empowerment and health promotion as pivotal to the public health nurses' role. Mothers acknowledged the supportive and practical aspects of the care provided. This is the first Irish study combining nurses and mothers experiences, identifying care provided at the first postnatal visit, presenting the quality of care experienced. This visit is vital for relationship-building and empowering mothers' child-care and self-care abilities. The findings provide an insight into how quality of care is perceived by public health nurses and mothers. Experiences facilitate reflection and the development of quality improvements to ensure mothers and infants are adequately supported during the first postnatal visit.

Urinary tract infection in prenatal care: role of public health nurses

Objetivo: Explorar y describir el rol de la enfermera de salud pública en la consulta prenatal para prevenir y controlar la infección del tracto urinario. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo cualitativo realizado en 24 unidades básicas de salud en el sur de Piauí, noreste de Brasil. El estudio involucró a 22 enfermeras de salud pública y se llevó a cabo de febrero a marzo de 2016. Los datos se recolectaron a través de un cuestionario semiestructurado que contenía datos sociodemográficos seguido de las preguntas de la entrevista. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó el software IRAMUTEQ mediante el método de Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. Resultados: Se desarrollaron las siguientes clases a partir de las palabras evocadas: 1 - Atención de rutina a enfermeras de salud pública que atienden a gestantes; 3 - Actuación de las enfermeras de salud pública en el tratamiento y prevención de la infección del tracto urinario en mujeres embarazadas; 4 - Dificultades en el diagnóstico de infección del tracto urinario en mujeres embarazadas; 2 - La educación sanitaria como principal medida adoptada por las enfermeras de salud pública para prevenir la infección del tracto urinario en la gestante. Conclusiones: Las enfermeras de salud pública carecen de protocolos y cumplimiento de las guías. Las principales medidas para la prevención y el control de la infección del tracto urinario en mujeres embarazadas fueron una adecuada higiene íntima, mayor ingesta de líquidos e higiene antes y después de las relaciones sexuales. Objective: To explore and describe public health nurses' role in the prenatal consultation to prevent and control urinary tract infection. Methods: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted in 24 basic health units in southern Piauí, northeastern Brazil. The study included 22 public health nurses and was carried out from February to March 2016. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic data followed by the interview questions. The IRAMUTEQ software was used for data analysis using the Descending Hierarchical Classification method. Results: The following classes were created based on the evoked words: 1 - Routine care of public health nurses assisting pregnant women; 3 - Public health nurse's conduct for treatment and prevention of urinary infection in pregnant women; 4 - Difficulties in diagnosing urinary tract infection in pregnant women; 2 - Health education as the main measure adopted by public health nurses to prevent urinary tract infection in pregnant women.Conclusions: Public health nurses lacked protocols and agreement to guidelines. The main measures for preventing and controlling urinary tract infection in pregnant women were adequate intimate hygiene, increased fluid intake, and hygiene before and after sexual intercourse. Objetivo: Explorar e descrever o papel do enfermeiro de saúde pública na consulta de pré-natal para prevenir e controlar a infecção do trato urinário. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo descritivo realizado em 24 unidades básicas de saúde do sul do Piauí, nordeste do Brasil. O estudo envolveu 22 enfermeiros de saúde pública e foi realizado no período de fevereiro a março de 2016. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário semiestruturado contendo dados sociodemográficos seguidos das questões da entrevista. O software IRAMUTEQ foi utilizado para a análise dos dados pelo método de Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. Resultados: As seguintes classes foram elaboradas a partir das palavras evocadas: 1 - Rotina de atendimento dos enfermeiros de saúde pública que atendem gestantes; 3 - Conduta do enfermeiro de saúde pública no tratamento e prevenção de infecção urinária em gestantes; 4 - Dificuldades no diagnóstico de infecção do trato urinário em gestantes; 2 - A educação em saúde como principal medida adotada pelos enfermeiros de saúde pública para prevenir a infecção do trato urinário em mulheres grávidas. Conclusões: Enfermeiros de saúde pública carecem de protocolos e concordância com as diretrizes. As principais medidas de prevenção e controle da infecção do trato urinário em gestantes foram higiene íntima adequada, aumento da ingestão de líquidos e higiene antes e após a relação sexual.