Objective:
To determine health community agents’ opinions on access and care delivery to individuals with sickle cell anemia.
Methods:
This was a qualitative study conducted among 14 health community agents from a municipality with a high prevalence of sickle cell disease. Data were submitted to analysis of thematic content.
Results:
Access to the basic health unit of individuals with sickle cell disease occurred only in situations of acute episodes. We observed a barrier between patients and basic health units. Care for patients with sickle cell disease was not prioritized for those with alert signs, nor was there specific follow-up in child rearing, vaccines, or medicines. Home visits were conducted without a systematic plan.
Conclusion:
According to the perspective of health community agents, the care of individuals with sickle cell disease was inadequate and individuals’ access to care was limited.
Sickle cell anemia; Quality of health care; Primary care nursing; Public health nursing; Community health nursing
