Completeness of Nurses’ Records in the Care of People With Tuberculosis: A Trend Study

Abstract

Objective: to assess the completeness and tendency of non-completeness of the records of nurses in the care of people with tuberculosis followed up in Primary Health Care. Method: this is a descriptive, documentary, retrospective study, with quantitative approach, developed in family health units of a municipality in the state of Paraíba. It took place between July and September 2020. A sample of 190 medical records was delineated, selected by sampling in two stages: proportionality and systematic probabilistics. The collected data were analyzed using the R software, assuming a significance level of 5%. Descriptive statistics, Pareto Chart and trend analysis were used. Results: completeness classification was predominantly “very bad” (76.9%), with a higher percentage of non-completion for the indicators: prejudice (91.1%), preliminary findings (85.2%), absenteeism in consultations (80.8%), family history of tuberculosis (74.7%) and psychosocial aspects. They showed a trend of significant non-completion ascending: lifestyle and conditions of life (p=0.0088) and physical examination (p=0.0352). The only indicator with a trend of significant non-completion descending was Prejudice (p=0.0077). Conclusion: unsatisfactory completeness and a predominantly ascending trend towards non-completion of records was found, indicating points to be prioritized in public health interventions due to their importance in the production of indicators in tuberculosis management in Primary Health Care that can influence decision-making.