DISCOURSES OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ON LATENT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION AND THE USE OF ISONIAZID

Objective to understand the collective thinking and action of health workers in relation to Latent Tuberculosis Infection and its treatment with Isoniazid. Method qualitative study with 22 health professionals from four cities in Brazil and the Federal District. Data collection occurred through a semi-structured group interview in March 2019, with an average duration of one hour and thirty minutes. Content analysis was performed using the Collective Subject Discourse technique. Results the professionals' discourses revealed uncertainties related to the prevention and treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection, the "fear of error" and inadequate forms of use of Isoniazid 300 mg, the power of the decision on the treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection, the difficulties of integration between services and the organization of care flows. Conclusion although the emphasis in the professionals' discourse considers objective aspects in the management of Latent Tuberculosis Infection, subjective manifestations related to the need to address the fears that affect the decision about treatment and possible medication errors were identified, among others, and to think about this process in a collaborative way, which considers autonomy in acting, both of professionals and of the person with Latent Tuberculosis Infection.