Nursing team perceptions in caring for sex workers in primary care

Abstract

Objective: To understand nursing team perceptions of a Basic Health Unit in a city in the countryside of São Paulo regarding the care provided to sex workers. Method: This is qualitative research based on Alfred Schutz’s framework, with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 nursing professionals. Results: The category “Nursing team perceptions and their lifeworld in caring for sex workers” revealed the reasons “why”, highlighting the challenges faced in nursing care in vulnerable contexts. The reasons “for” are present in the category “The intentionality of the care provided”, which highlights the search for problem-solving care and autonomy promotion in sex workers’ lifeworld. Conclusion: Nursing team perceptions of the care provided recognize these professionals’ needs and, through bonding and support, seek strategies that promote access to healthcare services.