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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Health services utilization in areas covered by the family health program (Qualis) in Sao Paulo City, Brazil

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Author(s):
Moisés Goldbaum [1] ; Reinaldo José Gianini [2] ; Hillegonda Maria Dutilh Novaes [3] ; Chester Luiz Galvão César [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva
[4] USP. Faculdade Saúde Pública. Departamento de Epidemiologia - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Revista de Saúde Pública; v. 39, n. 1, p. 90-99, 2005-01-00.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Family Health Program (FHP) is a strategy for reorganizing the healthcare attendance system within the Brazilian National Health System. The objective of the study was to assess whether there had been changes in the utilization profile of the healthcare services following implementation of the program, and to identify factors associated with any changes observed. METHODS: Data on service utilization and demand for attendance were analyzed by means of two cluster-based population samples, representing areas covered (n=1865) and not covered (n=2036) by the FHP, in two districts of the municipality of São Paulo. The data formed part of a population survey carried out in 2001. Statistical methods for cluster analysis were used. RESULTS: In the area covered by the FHP, no statistically different prevalence ratios (PR) according to schooling and income levels were observed for service utilization. In the area not covered by the FHP, service utilization was positively associated with greater schooling and income. Among individuals with illnesses, the demand for attendance in the area covered by the FHP was higher (higher PR) among those with severe physical limitations. In the area not covered, the PR was higher among those with greater schooling and lower among those who were inactive (unemployed or retired). CONCLUSIONS: In the areas studied, for the population covered by the FHP, income and schooling levels did not constitute factors that significantly differentiated the utilization profile of the healthcare services and the demand for attendance. This indicates that the program may be contributing towards greater equity under these conditions. (AU)