The main challenges of public health policies to face chronic noncommunicable diseases in municipalities of Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Background

Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) are an important Public Health problem and shoud be paid more attention to the elaboration of public policies.

Objective

To identify the main challenges of public health policies for addressing NCDs in municipalities of northeastern Brazil.

Method

An integrative literature review was conducted from articles published in the last ten years. The articles considered eligible were grouped in tables and discussed on two sub-themes: “Public Health Policies” and “The main Challenges to face NCDs”.

Results

This study pointed out to the fragile programs and services offered in the municipal level of the northeast region of the country. It was observed the predominance of publications aimed at recognizing the profile of users with Hypertension and Diabetes, which unfeasibly contributes to integral care and health education. It was also possible to identify that even though the municipal level is closest to people’s daily lives, there are many challenges and impasses for an effective promotion of health and quality of life of these people.

Conclusion

Given the various challenges identified at all levels of production and knowledge, it is suggested that further studies may be conducted, thus considering the context of chronic conditions, and also further research can be developed to meet the demands of managers and users.

Keywords:
public health policies; noncommunicable chronic diseases; Primary Health Care