Mental Health of Elderly Hypertensive Patients in Primary Health Care: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: The global context highlights several challenges and manifestations stemming from population aging, among which mental health care for elderly people stands out. Primary health care (PHC), the largest gateway to Brazil’s health care network, is strategic in promoting health and care, and in preventing diseases such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). It is known that elderly people with SAH present various symptoms of psychological distress and mental disorders that can aggravate cardiac symptoms. This can lead to health, social, and financial impacts on the lives of elderly people and their families. Objective: To identify the evidence on mental health care for hypertensive elderly people in PHC. Materials and methods: This is an integrative literature review; data was collected in January 2023 from the following databases: PubMed, BVS/Bireme, Medline, Lilacs, Cinahl, Scopus, and APA PsycINFO. The studies included were those available in full, in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and which answered the research question elaborated following the PICo strategy. The article’s search and selection processes were performed independently by two trained researchers through peer review. The Prisma guidelines were followed. Results: The studies found were published between 2008 and 2020 and showed two analysis categories: integrated care provided by the multi-professional team and measures that emphasize health-related quality of life. The studies highlighted integrated care management programs, qualification of the bond and territorialization, health measures that have an impact on psychological suffering, and group activities. Conclusions: Mental health care provided in an integrated and shared manner, combined with health activities and groups, is a powerful tool for elderly hypertensive patients in PHC. These strategies still have some challenges in certain contexts, but the review emphasizes the importance of consolidating this form of care, provided in PHC and has outcomes at all levels of care.