Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

The health needs and vulnerabilities of tuberculosis patients according to the accessibility, attachment and adherence dimensions

The objective was to know the experience of people with tuberculosis, identify their health needs and vulnerability in face of the disease, and in terms of their accessibility to treatment, their attachment to the health team, and adherence to the treatment. This qualitative study was performed at family health care units. Interviews were performed with patients following treatment, using the criterion of information saturation. The statements were analyzed using Alceste software. The late diagnosis reflects the lack of knowledge about the disease and come professionals' lack of preparation. The support consists a determinant aspect in patient follow up, who, by feeling welcomed, were encouraged to follow the therapeutic scheme. The health needs were related to the good life conditions, such as the right to food, work, housing, education, leisure, and taking on healthy life habits. The authors emphasize on the valorization of the experience of people following treatment to support the health care practice of professionals centered on the health needs and vulnerabilities of the population.

tuberculosis; Health services needs and demand; Health services accessibility; Public health nursing


Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 419 , 05403-000 São Paulo - SP/ Brasil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 3061-7553, - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: reeusp@usp.br