PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND YOUTH: BETWEEN OLD DILEMMAS AND NEW CHALLENGES

Abstract

Objective: To identify and understand specific health actions for the young people available from family health units of a peripheral region of a city in the state of São Paulo, using as parameter the guidelines of the Ministry of Health for health care of Brazilian youth. Methods: For this purpose, we used documentary sources and carried out twenty semi-structured interviews with managers, coordinators and professionals from the primary health care services, coordinators of social sectors and young people. A participating observation with youths in a Leisure Center for the youth in the surveyed area was also conducted. Results: It was confirmed that youths do not access primary health care services and that these facilities offer few alternatives for care concerning social vulnerability issues. The professionals/technicians hardly see the real needs of the young people, repeating old demands of care that are distant from the real needs of this population. There have been a few strategies for care towards this group, which does not meet the guidelines advocated by the Ministry of Health. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop strategies and intersectorial and interdisciplinary methodologies for care of young adults, based on a contemporary paradigm that provides access to health care. DESCRIPTORS Adolescent. Young Adult. Right to Health. Primary Health Care. Public Policy.