TRATAMENTO DA INFECÇÃO LATENTE POR TUBERCULOSE EM PESSOAS VIVENDO COM HIV SOB A ÓTICA DOS PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE.

Abstract

The treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) reduces the risk of becoming ill with Tuberculosis (TB), the main cause of death in this population. The low adherence of professionals to the implementation of LTBI treatment and the scarcity of studies regarding psychosocial aspects can interfere in this confrontation. Our objective was to understand the perception of health professionals in specialized care about the treatment of LTBI for PLHIV, in a capital in the Midwest region of Brazil. In this qualitative study carried out from October 2020 to August 2022 14 professionals, 10 medics and 04 nurses working for more than six months in the reference services were included. Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and recorded audio, the data were treated based on Grounded Theory (TDF) and its analysis anchored in the theoretical framework of Symbolic Interactionism (SI). The theoretical saturation sampling criterion was used. The results were structured in the form of an article covering the central phenomenon “Facing challenges in the implementation of LTBI treatment in the light of scientific evidence” supported by four categories: 1) Demonstrating theoretical knowledge about LTBI and its treatment protocol; 2) Dealing with the complexities of protocol adherence in the service; 3) Having a bond as an instrument to overcome the different perspectives of care for PLHIV; 4) Seeking strategies to facilitate adherence to the treatment protocol in the service. It was evidenced that the professionals of the reference services have theoretical knowledge about the LTBI treatment protocol and understand it as preventive treatment of TB and its outcomes in PLHIV, however, they face difficulties in its implementation in the face of structural obstacles in the service, insecurities in instituting therapy and patients' vulnerabilities. They envision ideal conditions for adherence to the protocol in the service and seek to mediate confrontations, strengthening the bond with patients through multiprofessional interaction, teaching and research. It is hoped that this study can support actions to address gaps in adherence to LTBI treatment with implications for the elimination of TB and deaths of PLHIV. Health descriptors: Tuberculosis. Latent tuberculosis. HIV. Epidemiology. Accession. Treatment Protocol. Qualitative research.