PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND ASSISTANCE TO CHRONIC DISEASES OF THE BLACK POPULATION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential to ensure equity and universal access to health services, being the main gateway to the Unified Health System (SUS). However, the black population faces structural inequalities that impact the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), making a specific approach in PHC necessary. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the functioning of Primary Health Care in the management of chronic diseases in the black population, highlighting the guidelines of the National Primary Care Policy and the National Policy for the Integral Health of the Black Population, in addition to examining the challenges and perspectives for the promotion of racial equity in health. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative literature review, based on the search for studies in the PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and VHL databases, considering publications from the last ten years The inclusion criteria involved articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish that addressed the care of the black population in PHC and the barriers in the treatment of NCDs. Studies without a clear methodology or that did not directly discuss the topic were excluded. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The findings show that, despite the PNAB and PNSIPN guidelines, the black population still faces difficulties in early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and continuous follow-up. Institutional racism, lack of race-based data, and insufficient training of health professionals are obstacles that limit the effectiveness of PHC in combating NCDs. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia are prevalent conditions in the black population, aggravated by social determinants of health, such as limited access to information, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to unhealthy environments. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Achieving equity in PHC for the black population requires the implementation of more effective public policies, continuous professional training, and the inclusion of racial criteria in health information systems, ensuring fairer and more adequate care for this group. In addition, raising awareness about the impact of racism on health and adopting intersectional approaches are crucial for building a more inclusive and effective health system.