Nursing care for the Amazon population: knowledge production and human resource development

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Public Health
• Amazonian Health

Background:

• The Amazon region faces unique health challenges, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and the needs of traditional populations.
• A Master's program in Nursing is crucial for addressing regional health demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the alignment of knowledge production from a Master's in Nursing program with the Amazon's health needs.
• To specifically examine the focus on NTDs and traditional populations within this academic output.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, quantitative, documentary study was conducted.
• Dissertations (2012-2019) from a joint Nursing Graduate Program (Universidade do Estado do Pará/Universidade Federal do Amazonas) were analyzed.
• Descriptive statistical analysis was employed.

Main Results:

• Out of 105 dissertations, 30 (28.6%) addressed NTDs.
• Key NTDs like Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, malaria, and leprosy were covered in 11 (10.5%) studies.
• Traditional Amazonian populations were subjects in only 11 (10.5%) of the dissertations.

Conclusions:

• Master's-level nursing knowledge production demonstrates relevance to regional health demands.
• There is a need to increase research output to better address Amazonian health priorities and strengthen the program's identity.