PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFISSIONAIS DA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA SOBRE A SAÚDE DE PESSOAS LGBTQIA+

Abstract

Introduction: Despite advances in the creation of the National Policy for Comprehensive Health of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transvestites, and Transsexuals, the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ population are still unknown to a large part of health professionals. Without adequate care, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people tend to resist seeking qualified support. In this context, it becomes fundamental that professionals develop skills and competencies to understand and value the real needs of this population. Objective: To analyze the perceptions and attitudes of Primary Care professionals regarding the health of the LGBTQIA+ community. Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical study, carried out between October 2025 and January 2026 at the Bezerra de Menezes Primary Health Care Unit, São Francisco Primary Health Care Unit, Centro Primary Health Care Unit, and Liberdade Primary Health Care Unit, located in São Luís – MA, with professionals from the Family Health Strategy. Data collection was carried out through a focus group, using a structured questionnaire for sociodemographic information and professional trajectory, and a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to Thematic Analysis, following the perspective of Braun and Clarke. Results: From the analysis of the statements, three main categories emerged: the first, Conceptual understanding of gender identity and sexual orientation, is composed of three core meanings: Lack of knowledge of the acronym LGBTQIA+ and its meanings, generating misunderstanding about sexual and gender diversity; The first part, "Attitudes and Positions of Professionals Towards the LGBTQIA+ Population," is composed of three core meanings: Perception and Recognition of Prejudice in the Care of the LGBTQIA+ Population; Influence of Personal, Religious, Moral, or Cultural Beliefs; Recognition of Ethical-Professional Duty in Care. The second part, "Experiences in the Care of the LGBTQIA+ Population in Primary Health Care," is composed of four core meanings: Programmed Invisibility: Accounts of Little or No Experience; Clinical Reductionism: Care Centered on Complaint and Pathologization; Conducts Marked by Insecurity, Hesitation, and Exclusionary Attitudes; Primary Health Care as an Entry Point: Potentialities and Limitations in Reception. Final Considerations: The participants' statements reveal conceptual confusion, embarrassment when addressing the topic, and resistance in the correct use of pronouns and social names, revealing weaknesses both in the technical field and in the fulfillment of human rights. legal. The influence of personal moral and religious values proves to be a limiting element for professional practice guided by ethical principles and the universality of the SUS (Brazilian Unified Health System).