title: Role and working conditions of nurses in public health in Mexico and Peru: a binational qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study conducted in Mexico and Peru investigated nurses' perceptions about their role in public health and working conditions.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Health reform efforts in many countries are redefining the role of health professionals in public health. Little is known about the role of nurses working in public health contexts in Latin America.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen focus groups were conducted in Mexico and Peru with 82 nurses working in government-sponsored community health centres. Data were analysed using a content analysis technique.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Themes identified were: nurses' job descriptions in public health settings; organisational factors influencing the nurses' work, and influence of academic and social image factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Management barriers and limited training influences the role and working conditions of public health nurses in Mexico and Peru.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The professional role of nurses working in public health in Latin America is not well defined because of the health-care system infrastructure and the lack of a clear public health nurse job description. Further research is needed to better understand the role of public health nurses and strengthen their training, particularly in relation to nursing management encompassing abilities for decision-making processes and public health program planning and evaluation.
authors: Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Facultad de Enfermeria UAT Madero, Tamaulipas, México.
authors: Maria Isabel Peñarrietade
authors: MI
authors: De Córdova
authors: Nelda
authors: N
authors: Mier
authors: Nora Hilda Gonzales
authors: NH
authors: Quirarte
authors: Tranquilina Gutiérrez
authors: TG
authors: Gómez
authors: Socorro
authors: S
authors: Piñones
authors: Alejandro
authors: A
authors: Borda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003151:Community Health Centers; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D064689:Nurses, Public Health; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D010568:Peru; D011637:Public Health Nursing
keywords: Latin America; Mexico; Peru; community health; public health management nursing