FEMALE OVERLOAD IN CHILDCARE IN PRIMARY CARE: EVIDENCE OF THE SEXUAL DIVISION OF LABOR

Abstract

This study analyzed how the sexual division of labor is expressed in the organization of childcare in Primary Health Care, focusing on female overload and its relationship with health knowledge and absenteeism in well-child care visits. This is a cross-sectional observational study with a mixed-methods approach, conducted with 311 caregivers of children under two years old in health units in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (chi-square test) and qualitative analysis of reports. A predominance of female participation in childcare was observed (90%), with significant associations between gender and education level (p=0.003), as well as between gender and knowledge of well-child care and absenteeism (p<0.05). Women showed greater involvement in childcare and higher levels of health-related knowledge, but also greater overload due to the double burden. Qualitative findings highlighted impacts on time organization and adherence to visits. Childcare remains feminized, and absenteeism should be understood as a socially structured phenomenon related to gender inequalities. Policies promoting shared parental responsibility and educational strategies are needed.