Entre avanços e lacunas: Avaliação de ações de puericultura na atenção primária de saúde no leste maranhense

Vollständiger Abstract

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Objective: To analyze childcare actions in Primary Health Care (PHC) in eastern Maranhão, from the perspective of parents and caregivers. Method: A descriptive and evaluative study with a quantitative approach, carried out in the municipality of Caxias, Maranhão. The Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool), child version, validated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, was used as an instrument to assess the essential and derived attributes of PHC, including first-contact access, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, care coordination, family orientation, community orientation, and cultural competence. Results: An overall positive evaluation of childcare actions was evidenced, with high scores in most of the analyzed attributes. The degree of affiliation stands out by presenting the highest values, indicating a strong bond between users and health services. On the other hand, attributes related to care coordination and comprehensiveness obtained lower scores, pointing to limitations in the continuity of follow-up and in the expanded offer of services aimed at child health. Conclusion: Despite the favorable evaluation of childcare in PHC, important weaknesses persist, especially regarding the integration between services and the scope of actions offered. The results reinforce the need to strengthen the coordination of the care network, focusing on expanding strategies that ensure continuous and comprehensive care for children.