Perceptions of the primary care team about the gender approach applied in health

Introduction: The gender approach applied in health, consists of recognizing the social asymmetries between genders as determinants of health-disease-care processes. This paper shares the results of a research conducted in Chile on the perceptions of the primary health care team regarding the gender approach. Methodology: The study followed a qualitative design applying interviews to workers of a family health center. Then, a content analysis was performed. Results: Differentiated beliefs and values regarding gender, its applicability in health, the institutional role and the impact on women's health are distinguished. Discussion: The participants link the gender approach with acceptance and respect for all people. However, this approach coexists with a normalization regarding the overburdening of women and their role in health care, scarce team training in gender and institutional barriers to its implementation. Conclusions: Health workers make an effort to self-train in gender, but their knowledge is reduced affecting clinical practices and the general implementation of this approach in primary care. Likewise, the promotion of gender equity in the health care context is hindered.