Nursing response and COVID-19 mortality in rural municipalities in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic was addressed through prevention, health promotion, adaptation, and the reorganization of Primary Health Care services in two rural municipalities in southern Brazil with differing mortality rates.

METHODS

this qualitative multiple case study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants-including Primary Health Care professionals and key stakeholders-and supported by documentary data. Three core categories emerged: "Infrastructure, equipment, and access," "Nurse-led care coordination: monitoring and isolation," and "Medications and vaccines: organization and distribution."

RESULTS

health teams restructured care flows, enhanced patient monitoring, secured equipment, and repurposed physical spaces to reduce viral transmission. While strategies to address the disease were largely similar, political disagreements and the use of the so-called "COVID Kit" marked critical differences.

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: economic, political, and cultural factors may influence variations in COVID-19 mortality across rural settings.