Nursing care in primary health care to tackle antimicrobial resistance in pregnant women with urinary tract infections

Abstract

Objective: To identify pregnant women with urinary tract infections who are being monitored at a primary health care unit and their knowledge about antibiotics, as well as facilitating and challenging factors perceived by nurses that influence care, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance. Method: Exploratory, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, involving pregnant women with urinary tract infections undergoing antibiotic treatment at a municipal health unit in São Paulo and nurses working at the same location. Data were obtained from computerized systems, medical records, and interviews, and were synthesized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Stata software. Results: Of the 21 pregnant women included, 85.7% had knowledge about antibiotics. Of the 11 participating nurses, 36.4% did not identify the presence of facilitators, but 45.5% believed there were barriers to their care. Final considerations: Most pregnant women had basic knowledge about antibiotics and recognized the importance of guidance from nurses. Nurses identified barriers that point to the need for technical support. Developing a care booklet for nurses who care for pregnant women with urinary tract infections may be a promising strategy to optimize treatment and prevent antimicrobial resistance.