Acesso à saúde de adolescentes do sexo feminino: uma análise mista sobre os serviços de Atenção Primária em Manaus

Abstract

Adolescence, defined in Brazil as the period from 12 to 18 years of age, is marked by physical and social transformations that demand comprehensive health care. However, adolescents still face barriers when accessing Primary Health Care services, such as structural difficulties, discrimination, and lack of information. Despite the existence of public policies, care remains fragmented and does not fully consider the biopsychosocial needs of this group. This study aimed to describe the perceptions of adolescent girls regarding access to Primary Health Care services in Manaus. It is a descriptive and exploratory study with a mixed-methods approach, conducted with sixteen 12-year-old girls attending a public school, between April and October 2024. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and the Primary Care Assessment Tool. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The results indicated several barriers to access, including scheduling conflicts with school hours, difficulty attending appointments without an adult companion, and discomfort when being attended by health professionals of a different gender. Additionally, the participants demonstrated a lack of knowledge about their health care rights. On the other hand, facilitating factors were identified, such as the strategic location of health units, the quality of physical space and equipment, flexible service hours, and the presence of same-gender professionals, which fostered greater trust among the girls. Educational activities were carried out during the study to promote engagement with Primary Health Care services and to encourage adolescents' autonomy in self-care. The findings highlight the need for strategies to bring adolescents closer to primary care, promote a more welcoming and accessible environment, strengthen educational actions, and expand dialogue between health professionals, schools, and adolescents—so they may become active participants in managing their own health