The health of black women: the performance of psychology in primary care

Abstract

This article aims to analyze how psychologists who work in primary care, perceive the influence of the psychosocial effects of racism and sexism in their practices and in the health and care process provided to black women. This is a qualitative research with a descriptive and exploratory character, following the critical social psychology framework. A theoretical-methodological survey was carried out about the main subjects, as well as the production of the data collection instrument and the semi-structured interviews. The study included eight psychologists who serve the female public and work in the primary care network in the municipality of Salvador (BA). Data were analyzed by the hermeneutic-dialectical method. Most perceptions were associated with the biologizing issue of race/color and the notion of care aimed at the universalist view of the subject, which implied the absence of actions aimed at promoting the health of black women. However, the intersectional perception and racial literacy were observed in the reports of three of the participants, which enabled the development of attempts at anti-racist and anti-sexist practices. In conclusion, exploring psychology actions aimed at promoting the health of black women and that can associate theory with practice is still necessary.