As representações sociais do sistema público de saúde para usuários da atenção básica do Município de Santos-SP

Abstract

The general objective of the research was to analyze the social representation of the Public Health System, of Primary Care users in the city of Santos-SP, and its integration with public policies and in the organization of health services. Its specific objectives were: to identify the knowledge of Primary Care users about the Public Health System related to the principles, guidelines, organization and functioning of SUS; know the level of user satisfaction with the structure, services and care offered by the basic health unit and raise the users' knowledge regarding the principle of social participation. The hypothesis researched that the user of Primary Care does not appropriate the principles, guidelines, organization and functioning of the Public Health System, which would lead the user to effective and productive social non-participation, which could generate dissatisfaction with the services offered, forming social representations that interfere in their integration with public health policies and in the organization of services. Data collection was carried out through a cross-sectional descriptive study with a qualitative approach and analysis of data based on the Theory of Social Representations, using the semi-structured interview with ten users of two basic health units as an instrument. After collecting and analyzing the data through the content analysis described by Bardin, three categories were identified: I- SUS image for Primary Care users; II- Perceptions about the basic health unit and III- Appropriation of the principle of social participation. The results within the categories presented led to the conclusion that the social representation of the user of two basic health units in the municipality of Santos, is of satisfaction with the services offered, the physical structure and the assistance, however, they are unaware of the means for the effective participation in SUS. For some users, SUS is associated with hospital use and medical specialties. Users were satisfied with the Public Health System and do not believe that they could be without SUS and understand that people who have no health insurance or financial resources can only use SUS. The results enabled the discussion in the light of the theoretical foundation and the proposal for the realization of the product that will contribute to publicize the Unified Health System (SUS) as a public good for all, valued through a participatory practice of users and the public. its decision-making power acquired by information, with the organization of services in accordance with the real demands of users and its integration with public policies through the appropriation of the ways of functioning, organization, principles and guidelines of SUS.