Between isolation and care: effects of the pandemic on people with chronic noncommunicable diseases and on Primary Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic noncommunicable diseases are one of the main public health problems in Brazil and worldwide, due to their prevalence, impact on quality of life, and costs to the healthcare system, with particular emphasis on high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately worsened the health status of individuals with NCDs, and in the Northeast, these effects were even more intense, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of those with these comorbidities through regular access to services, adherence to treatment, and promotion of self-care, in which Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a central role. Objective: To analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of the population with chronic noncommunicable diseases and on the organization of Primary Health Care services in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: This is a qualitative, prospective study with a descriptive and exploratory approach. Data collection took place between August 2021 and March 2022 with 35 health professionals from seven Family Health Strategy units, with at least six months of experience in Primary Care. Results: Among the main health problems faced by this population, the following stand out: lack of knowledge about the disease itself, inadequate lifestyle and habits, sedentary lifestyle, increased mental illness, alcoholism, and Covid-19. Regarding the challenges of PHC, structural limitations and insufficient resources, weaknesses of the disease-centered biomedical model, and barriers to maintaining connections with the population were highlighted. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on the health of the population with NCDs and on the organization of PHC in a northeastern municipality. The study observed worsening clinical conditions, impacts on mental health, and socioeconomic repercussions, in addition to unprecedented challenges faced by PHC. This highlights the importance of strengthening comprehensive care for NCDs, expanding health education strategies, and improving management and equity in access to services, providing support for more effectively addressing future health crises.