A pandemia de COVID-19 e casos de violência doméstica: percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde no contexto de isolamento social

Objective: to analyze the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá/PR about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and cases of domestic violence in their assigned territories, identifying challenges in the approach, impacts on families and case management. Methodology: qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 36 professionals from two primary health care units in Paranaguá, on the Paraná coast. Results: Primary health care professionals unanimously reported an increase in the number of domestic violence cases in those communities, affecting women, children, and adolescents, with the closure of schools identified as an aggravating factor. The main challenges highlighted were the disruption of primary health care services during the peak of the pandemic due to the reallocation of professionals and resources; misinformation about referral processes for domestic violence cases within the intersectoral network; fear among professionals regarding the pandemic and reporting domestic violence cases; and high staff turnover. Conclusion: The period of social isolation caused by the pandemic intensified domestic violence cases, according to the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá. The dismantling of the intersectoral network further compromised the care of individuals in situations of vulnerability and/or violence. The absence of national guidelines from the federal government left municipalities and primary health care professionals on their own to deal with the issue. Submission: 03/30/23| Review: 06/14/23| Approval: 10/04/23 Objetivo: analizar las percepciones de los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud de Paranaguá/PR sobre las relaciones entre la pandemia de COVID-19 y los casos de violencia doméstica en sus territorios asignados, identificando desafíos en el abordaje, impactos en las familias y gestión de casos. Metodología: investigación cualitativa con entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales con 36 profesionales de dos unidades básicas de salud de Paranaguá, en la costa de Paraná. Resultados: los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud fueron unánimes al reportar el aumento del número de casos de violencia doméstica en esas comunidades, con afectaciones tanto a mujeres, niños y adolescentes, siendo el cierre de escuelas un agravante. Se informaron los principales desafíos: la interrupción de la atención primaria de salud durante el