Use, access, and equity in health care services in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Author(s)

Monteiro, Camila Nascimento ; Beenackers, Marielle A. ; Goldbaum, Moises ; de Azevedo Barros, Marilisa Berti ; Gianini, Reinaldo Jose ; Galvao Cesar, Chester Luiz ; Mackenbach, Johan P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Cadernos de Saúde Pública; v. 33, n. 4 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

The study analyzed how socioeconomic factors are associated with seeking, access, use, and quality of health care services in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were obtained from two household health surveys in Sao Paulo. We used logistic regression to analyze associations between socioeconomic factors and seeking, access, use, and quality of health care services. Access to health care services was high among those who sought it (94.91% in 2003 and 94.98% in 2008). The proportion of access to and use of health care services did not change significantly from 2003 to 2008. Use of services in the public sector was more frequent in lower socioeconomic groups. There were some socioeconomic differences in seeking health care and resolution of health problems. The study showed almost universal access to health care services, but the results suggest problems in quality of services and differences in quality experienced by lower socioeconomic groups, who mostly use the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/26687-2 - Access and health services use by arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus patients - population-based surveys
• Grantee: Camila Nascimento Monteiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/14153-0 - Use of health service by diabetic and hypertensive patients in the city of São Paulo - 2003/2008: population-based surveys
• Grantee: Camila Nascimento Monteiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate