Estratégias de autocuidado utilizadas pelos trabalhadores de ESF durante a pandemia da Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: In 2020, Primary Health Care had to reorganize work processes due to the global state of emergency that the World Health Organization (WHO) decreed based on the COVID- 19 pandemic, thus generating one of the greatest challenges in the field of public health. It can be said that, due to the pandemic, there were many challenges and uncertainties, especially for health professionals who worked on the front line, exposing them to serious health risks, due to weaknesses related to working conditions, generating fear, insecurity and anxiety. Objective: To identify the self-care strategies that eSF workers in the Municipality of Santa Maria/RS used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study, carried out with eSF workers in the city of Santa Maria/RS. The data collection technique used was the semi-structured interview and the data were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in two thematic categories addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the health of eSF workers and the self-care actions developed by health professionals. Conclusion: The pandemic had negative repercussions on the health of professionals, including fear, physical exhaustion and work overload. They used Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS) as promotion and prevention strategies, dietary reeducation, psychological support and physical activity in order to develop their mental and physical care. Thus, it is clear that in order to promote the health of professionals, actions aimed at their needs must be implemented.