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

Inequitable access to assisted reproductive technology for the low-income Brazilian population: a qualitative study

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Author(s):
Makuch, Maria Y. [1] ; de Padua, Karla Simonia [1] ; Petta, Carlos A. [2, 3] ; Duarte Osis, Maria Jose [1] ; Bahamondes, Luis [2, 3]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Ctr Res Reprod Hlth Campinas Cemicamp, BR-13084971 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Natl Inst Hormones & Women Hlth, Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estadual Campinas, Fac Med Sci, Dept Obstet & Gynaecol, Human Reprod Unit, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Human Reproduction; v. 26, n. 8, p. 2054-2060, AUG 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 10
Abstract

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, access to infertility care, including assisted reproductive technology (ART) is restricted. This is a second report of a study which evaluated the availability and access of low-income couples to ART services. The objective was to assess the perspective of health professionals and patients with respect to access to ART procedures within the public health network METHODS: Qualitative case studies were conducted in five centres offering ART in the public sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 health professionals based at these centres and 48 patients (men and women). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: All services implemented ART procedures using resources already available. In all except one centre, patients had to pay for the drugs used for the procedures and, in some cases, a fee to cover operative costs and supplies. These charges were incompatible with the financial possibilities of the majority of the low-income Brazilian population. The waiting time for access to ART varied between 3 months and 6 years. In the perspective of both patients and health professionals, the government should help centres to offer ART procedures at no cost to low-income populations. CONCLUSIONS: The low-income Brazilian population has limited access to ART procedures at the public services. The implementation of ART services cannot be based only on initiatives of the professionals involved but must be part of public health policies. One possible solution is to provide ART at lower cost, making it accessible for a large part of the population. (AU)