COVID-19, SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: A DOCUMENTARY STUDY IN PICUÍ-PB (2018–2021)

Abstract

The article analyzes the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the structure and functioning of the Family Health Program (FHP) in Picuí-PB, between 2018 and 2021. It aims to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the structure and functioning of the Family Health Program (FHP) in the municipality of Picuí-PB, focusing on the adjustments implemented in care practices, the challenges faced by healthcare teams, and the socio-environmental factors that influenced service provision. The study is justified by the lack of investigations addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Family Health Program in an integrated manner within the context of Primary Health Care in small municipalities. To this end, a retrospective documentary study was conducted, with a descriptive approach, using a qualitative method. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic did not reduce the demand for healthcare services but led to a reorganization of the care network, with the creation of a specific emergency unit, ensuring the continuity of services in Basic Health Units. Thus, the study expands discussions on the role of the Family Health Program in contexts of crisis and socio-environmental vulnerability and contributes to the development of more equitable and territorially oriented strategies in public health management.