NURSING PRACTICE IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN SITUATIONS OF SOCIAL VULNERABILITY WITHIN PRIMARY CARE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The mental health of children and adolescents is an important public health issue, particularly in contexts of social vulnerability, where poverty, violence, inequality, and fragile family relationships may compromise development and mental well-being. In this context, Primary Health Care plays a strategic role in the early identification and follow-up of mental health needs. This study aimed to examine the role of nursing in mental health care for children and adolescents experiencing social vulnerability in Primary Health Care. This is an integrative literature review that considered full-text studies published in Portuguese or English and related to the subject. The results showed that nursing plays a relevant role in early identification, nursing consultations, active listening, strengthening relationships, preventive actions, and coordination with families, schools, and healthcare services within the care network. However, challenges related to professional training, structural limitations, and weak intersectoral coordination were identified. Thus, nursing is essential to the promotion, prevention, and comprehensive care of the mental health of children and adolescents. Strengthening continuing professional education, collaborative network-based care, and public policies aimed at this population is therefore necessary.