O campo científico da saúde coletiva / The scientific field of collective health

RESUMO Este ensaio apresenta os conceitos de campo social, campo intelectual e campo científico formulados por Pierre Bourdieu, no intuito de introduzir de forma sucinta a constituição do campo da saúde coletiva e sua institucionalização no Brasil, destacando os diferentes movimentos que antecederam sua criação, como a medicina preventiva e a medicina social, e de que maneira o novo campo se diferenciou deles. O processo de institucionalização desse campo científico é descrito com base nos congressos principais e seus periódicos científicos, bem como a partir das condições criadas pelas políticas científica e de formação de pesquisadores. No processo de constituição e institucionalização deste campo, destacam-se seus aspectos teóricos, processos de formação e práticas políticas. O texto destaca, ainda, a importância da Associação Brasileira de Saúde Coletiva (Abrasco) na consolidação da saúde coletiva brasileira.

ABSTRACT This text presents the concepts of social field, intellectual field and scientific field formulated by Pierre Bourdieu, in order to briefly introduce the constitution of the field of collective health and its institutionalization in Brazil, emphasizing the different movements that preceded its creation, such as the preventive medicine and social medicine, and how the new field differed from them. The institutionalization process of this scientific field is described from the main congresses, its scientific journal as well as the conditions of possibility created by the scientific policies and the training of researchers. In the process of constitution and institutionalization of the field, theoretical aspects, training processes and political practices are highlighted. The text also remarks the importance of Brazilian Association of Collective Health (ABRASCO) in the consolidation of Brazilian collective health.

Health social inequality of the homeless in the city of São Paulo / Desigualdade social em saúde na população em situação de rua na cidade de São Paulo

To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, health status and access to services of the population living on the streets in a sample obtained from three homeless shelters in the downtown area of Sao Paulo. The sample included 251 subjects: 171 males, 78 females and 2 people who reported themselves as transgender. A structured questionnaire was applied about: sociodemographic characteristics, time on the street, physical activity, discrimination, social network and support, health status, alcohol or drug use, violence and access to health services. The subjects were adults, non-white, low education level, and with a monthly income lower than half the minimum wage. A third of the respondents had already been in this situation for more than 5 years. The health status for 45% of the respondents was considered good or very good health. The majority preferred to use primary care centers when needed and the precarious financial conditions and lack of family added to physical violence situations. Discrimination, poor hygiene and physical or mental disabilities are common in their lives. The challenge of formulating health policy is to incorporate the representations and care practices of these individuals, but also the services, as a starting point for organizing care.

Descrever as características sociodemográficas, o estado de saúde e o acesso a serviços na população em situação de rua em uma amostra em três albergues do centro da cidade de São Paulo. Amostra de 251 indivíduos: 171 do sexo masculino, 78 do sexo feminino e duas pessoas que se autodenominaram transexuais. Foi aplicado um questionário estruturado contendo dados sociodemográficos, trajetória e tempo de vida na rua, atividade física, discriminação, rede e suporte social, estado de saúde, consumo de álcool ou drogas, violência e acesso a serviços de saúde. Verificou-se o predomínio de adultos do sexo masculino, não brancos, com baixo nível de escolaridade, e com renda mensal menor que 1/2 (meio) salário mínimo. Um terço dos entrevistados já se encontrava nessa situação há mais de cinco anos. 45% dos entrevistados consideraram sua saúde boa ou muito boa. A maioria prefere utilizar as unidades básicas de saúde quando tem necessidade. As precárias condições financeiras e ausência de família somam-se às situações de violência física sofrida. Discriminação, péssimas condições de higiene e incapacidade física ou mental são comuns em suas vidas. O desafio que se coloca para a formulação da política de saúde é incorporar as representações e as práticas de cuidados desses sujeitos, como também dos serviços, como ponto de partida para a organização da assistência.

Social class: concepts and operationalization models in health research.

This article discusses the use of the concept of class in health research, different sociological approaches to social stratification and class structure, and the explanatory potential of the class concept in studies on social determinants and health inequalities. It also elaborates on the operationalization models that have been developed for use in sociological, demographic, or health research, as well as the limitations and scope of these models. Four main operationalization models were highlighted: the model developed by Singer for studies on income distribution in Brazil and adapted by Barros for use in epidemiological research, the model of Bronfman and Tuirán to study the Mexican demographics census and adapted by Lombardi for epidemiological research, the model proposed by Goldthorpe for socioeconomic studies in the UK and adapted by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, and the model proposed by Wright for research in sociology and political science, which has also been used in population surveys in health. In conclusion, each of the models presented is consistent with their underlying theoretical concept, precluding the selection of one model over the others.

Social inequalities and vaccination coverage in the city of Salvador, Bahia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the vaccination coverage in children born in the city of Salvador, analyzing these coverages by socioeconomic conditions. METHOD: A household survey on vaccination coverage was conducted with children born in 2005, in Salvador, Bahia, northeastern Brazil, who were aged between 18 to 36 months at the time of this study. Cluster sampling was performed in multiple stages. Census tracts were stratified using data from the national census conducted in 2000. Data was collected on socio-economic households. The sample size was defined by a specific methodology developed for immunization coverage surveys. The questionnaire was based upon the information contained in the vaccination cards. The estimated vaccination coverage in the various strata considered the sampling complex plan, weighting the observations according to the sampling fraction, the losses and the design effect. RESULTS: There was inequality in the socioeconomic strata analyzed, where the coverage rate was directly proportional to socioeconomic status. Strata D and E showed statistically significant differences when compared to stratum A. Regarding to the complete scheme, children living in strata D and E have significantly less coverage than those residing in strata B. For vaccines not included in the basic scheme, the differences are very marked, showing less than 3% in stratum D and E. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination coverage for the complete schedule at the end of 18 months of age with valid doses, was unsatisfactory and shows significant differences among the socio-economic strata with poor coverage in the poorest groups.

Classe social: conceitos e esquemas operacionais em pesquisa em saude / Clase social: conceptos y esquemas operativos en investigacion en salud / Social class: concepts and operationalization models in health research

Discute-se a utilização do conceito de classe em pesquisas em saúde, as diferentes abordagens sociológicas de estratificação social e de estrutura de classes, o potencial explicativo do conceito em estudos de determinação social e desigualdades em saúde, os modelos de operacionalização elaborados para uso em pesquisas sociológicas, demográficas ou de saúde e os limites e possibilidades desses modelos. Foram destacados quatro modelos de operacionalização: de Singer para estudo da distribuição de renda no Brasil, adaptado por Barros para uso em pesquisas epidemiológicas; de Bronfman & Tuirán para o censo demográfico mexicano, adaptado por Lombardi et al para pesquisas epidemiológicas; de Goldthorpe para estudos socioeconômicos ingleses, adaptado pela Sociedade Espanhola de Epidemiologia; e o modelo de Wright para pesquisa em sociologia e ciência política, também usado em inquéritos populacionais em saúde. Em conclusão, conceitualmente cada um dos modelos apresentados é coerente com a concepção teórica que os embasam, mas não há como optar por qualquer deles, descartando os demais.

Se discute la utilización del concepto de clase en investigaciones en salud, los diferentes abordajes sociológicos de estratificación social y de estructura de clases, el potencial explicativo del concepto en estudios de determinación social y desigualdades en salud, los modelos de operatividad elaborados para uso en investigaciones sociológicas, demográficas o de salud y los límites y posibilidades de tales modelos. Se destacaron cuatro modelos de operatividad: el de Singer para estudio de la distribución de renta en Brasil, adaptado por Barros para uso en investigaciones epidemiológicas; el de Bronfman & Tuirán para el censo demográfico mexicano, adaptado por Lombardi et al para investigaciones epidemiológicas; de Goldthorpe para estudios socioeconómicos ingleses, adaptado por la Sociedad Española de Epidemiología; y el modelo de Wright para investigación en sociología y ciencia política, también usado en pesquisas poblacionales en salud. En conclusión, conceptualmente cada uno de los modelos presentados es coherente con la concepción teórica que los fundamentan, pero no hay como optar por cualquiera de ellos, descartando al resto.

This article discusses the use of the concept of class in health research, different sociological approaches to social stratification and class structure, and the explanatory potential of the class concept in studies on social determinants and health inequalities. It also elaborates on the operationalization models that have been developed for use in sociological, demographic, or health research, as well as the limitations and scope of these models. Four main operationalization models were highlighted: the model developed by Singer for studies on income distribution in Brazil and adapted by Barros for use in epidemiological research, the model of Bronfman and Tuirán to study the Mexican demographics census and adapted by Lombardi for epidemiological research, the model proposed by Goldthorpe for socioeconomic studies in the UK and adapted by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, and the model proposed by Wright for research in sociology and political science, which has also been used in population surveys in health. In conclusion, each of the models presented is consistent with their underlying theoretical concept, precluding the selection of one model over the others.

Desigualdades sociais e cobertura vacinal na cidade de Salvador, Bahia / Social inequalities and vaccination coverage in the city of Salvador, Bahia

Objetivo: Estimar as coberturas vacinais alcançadas em crianças nascidas na cidade de Salvador, analisando essas coberturas por condições socioeconômicas. Método: Foi realizado um inquérito domiciliar sobre cobertura vacinal, na cidade de Salvador, capital do Estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil, sendo incluídas crianças nascidas em 2005, que no momento do estudo apresentavam 18 a 36 meses de idade. Foi realizada amostragem por conglomerados em múltiplas etapas. Os setores censitários foram estratificados utilizando-se dados do censo demográfico realizado em 2000. Foram coletados dados socioeconômicos dos domicílios. O tamanho da amostra foi definido a partir de metodologia específica para inquéritos de cobertura vacinal. O questionário foi aplicado tomando por base as informações constantes na caderneta de vacinação. Foi estimada a cobertura vacinal nos diversos estratos considerando o plano complexo de amostragem, ponderando as observações segundo a fração amostral, as perdas e o efeito do desenho. Resultados: Observou-se desigualdade socioeconômica nos diversos estratos, com um gradiente diretamente proporcional entre cobertura vacinal e nível socioeconômico. As diferenças mostram-se estatisticamente significantes entre os estratos D e E comparado ao estrato A. Em relação ao esquema completo, as crianças residentes nos estratos D e E apresentam cobertura significantemente menor que aquelas residentes no estrato B. Para vacinas não incluídas no esquema básico, as diferenças são muito acentuadas, sendo inferior a 3% nos estratos D e E. Conclusões: A cobertura vacinal pelo esquema completo ao final dos 18 meses de idade, com doses válidas, foi insatisfatória e foram observadas ...

Objective: To estimate the vaccination coverage in children born in the city of Salvador, analyzing these coverages by socioeconomic conditions. Method: A household survey on vaccination coverage was conducted with children born in 2005, in Salvador, Bahia, northeastern Brazil, who were aged between 18 to 36 months at the time of this study. Cluster sampling was performed in multiple stages. Census tracts were stratified using data from the national census conducted in 2000. Data was collected on socio-economic households. The sample size was defined by a specific methodology developed for immunization coverage surveys. The questionnaire was based upon the information contained in the vaccination cards. The estimated vaccination coverage in the various strata considered the sampling complex plan, weighting the observations according to the sampling fraction, the losses and the design effect. Results: There was inequality in the socioeconomic strata analyzed, where the coverage rate was directly proportional to socioeconomic status. Strata D and E showed statistically significant differences when compared to stratum A. Regarding to the complete scheme, children living in strata D and E have significantly less coverage than those residing in strata B. For vaccines not included in the basic scheme, the differences are very marked, showing less than 3% in stratum D and E. Conclusions: Vaccination coverage for the complete schedule at the end of 18 months of age with valid doses, was unsatisfactory and shows significant differences among the socio-economic strata with poor coverage in the poorest groups. .

[Epidemiology and public policies]. / Epidemiologia e políticas públicas.

The present essay deals with the relation between epidemiology and public policies, highlighting the epidemiology position in the public health field, analyzing the impact of public policies over epidemiological profile and contributions from epidemiology to the lay down, implementation and evaluation of public health policies. In the first title, the essay debates the links between the epidemiology and public health field, the social determinants and political action framework proposed by the WHO's Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and different approaches of health policies. In the second title the essay analyses the reduction of child stunting in Brazil as an example of public policies that impact epidemiological profile. The third title presents three strategic topics for the application of public health policies: reduction of social inequalities in health, health promotion and regulation of products and services that have impact over health. The fourth title discusses the possibilities and difficulties to combine the epidemiological knowledge in the lay down, implementation and evaluation of public policies and, finally, material examples of such relation between epidemiology and public policies are presented.

Epidemiologia e políticas públicas / Epidemiology and public policies

Este ensaio trata das relações entre a epidemiologia e as políticas públicas, destacando inicialmente a posição da disciplina no campo da saúde coletiva, analisando os impactos de políticas públicas sobre o perfil epidemiológico e as contribuições da epidemiologia para a formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas públicas de saúde. No primeiro tópico são discutidos os vínculos da disciplina com o campo da saúde coletiva, o modelo de determinantes sociais e de ação política formulados pela Comissão de Determinantes Sociais em Saúde da OMS, e diferentes enfoques de políticas de saúde. O segundo tópico analisa a redução da desnutrição infantil no Brasil como um exemplo de políticas públicas com impacto no perfil epidemiológico. No terceiro tópico são apresentados três temas estratégicos para a ação das políticas públicas em saúde: redução das desigualdades sociais em saúde, promoção da saúde e regulação sobre bens e serviços com impacto na saúde. O quarto tópico discute as possibilidades e dificuldades de incorporação dos conhecimentos epidemiológicos na formulação, implementação e avaliação de políticas públicas e, finalmente, são apresentados exemplos concretos dessa relação entre epidemiologia e políticas públicas.

The present essay deals with the relation between epidemiology and public policies, highlighting the epidemiology position in the public health field, analyzing the impact of public policies over epidemiological profile and contributions from epidemiology to the lay down, implementation and evaluation of public health policies. In the first title, the essay debates the links between the epidemiology and public health field, the social determinants and political action framework proposed by the WHO's Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and different approaches of health policies. In the second title the essay analyses the reduction of child stunting in Brazil as an example of public policies that impact epidemiological profile. The third title presents three strategic topics for the application of public health policies: reduction of social inequalities in health, health promotion and regulation of products and services that have impact over health. The fourth title discusses the possibilities and difficulties to combine the epidemiological knowledge in the lay down, implementation and evaluation of public policies and, finally, material examples of such relation between epidemiology and public policies are presented.

Socioeconomic inequalities and vaccination coverage: results of an immunisation coverage survey in 27 Brazilian capitals, 2007-2008.

BACKGROUND: Since 1988, Brazil's Unified Health System has sought to provide universal and equal access to immunisations. Inequalities in immunisation may be examined by contrasting vaccination coverage among children in the highest versus the lowest socioeconomic strata. The authors examined coverage with routine infant immunisations from a survey of Brazilian children according to socioeconomic stratum of residence census tract. METHODS: The authors conducted a household cluster survey in census tracts systematically selected from five socioeconomic strata, according to average household income and head of household education, in 26 Brazilian capitals and the federal district. The authors calculated coverage with recommended vaccinations among children until 18 months of age, according to socioeconomic quintile of residence census tract, and examined factors associated with incomplete vaccination. RESULTS: Among 17,295 children with immunisation cards, 14,538 (82.6%) had received all recommended vaccinations by 18 months of age. Among children residing in census tracts in the highest socioeconomic stratum, 77.2% were completely immunised by 18 months of age versus 81.2%-86.2% of children residing in the four census tract quintiles with lower socioeconomic indicators (p<0.01). Census tracts in the highest socioeconomic quintile had significantly lower coverage for bacille Calmette-Guérin, oral polio and hepatitis B vaccines than those with lower socioeconomic indicators. In multivariable analysis, higher birth order and residing in the highest socioeconomic quintile were associated with incomplete vaccination. After adjusting for interaction between socioeconomic strata of residence census tract and household wealth index, only birth order remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from Brazilian capitals shows success in achieving high immunisation coverage among poorer children. Strategies are needed to reach children in wealthier areas.

[Socio-demographic profile and utilization patterns of the public healthcare system (SUS), 2003-2008]. / Perfil sociodemográfico e padrão de utilização dos serviços de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), 2003-2008.

PNAD data was employed to analyze the utilization profile of health services, and this was measured by the proportion of individuals seeking and reporting use of health services in the prior two weeks and those who reported hospitalization in the preceding 12 months. Private health plans covered 25.9% of the Brazilian population. Comparing data from 2003 and 2008 surveys, there was no change in the proportion of individuals seeking health services, as well as the proportion of those attended by these services (96%). The Unified Health System (SUS) was responsible for 56,7% of all healthcare, providing the bulk of medical visits, vaccine activities and hospital admissions, but accounted for only 1/3 of dental care. There was a reduction in SUS health services utilization with the increase of education and income level, in the two surveys. There was also a decrease in utilization of services due to prevention and an increase in dental problems, accidents, injuries and rehabilitation. The pattern of SUS services utilization per region was inversely related to the proportion of individuals with private health insurance coverage.

Perfil sociodemográfico e padrão de utilização dos serviços de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), 2003- 2008 / Socio-demographic profile and utilization patterns of the public healthcare system (SUS), 2003- 2008

O objetivo foi analisar a evolução do perfil de utilização de serviços de saúde, entre 2003 e 2008, no Brasil e nas suas macrorregiões. Foram utilizados dados da PNAD. A utilização de serviços de saúde foi medida pela proporção de pessoas que procuraram e foram atendidas nas 2 semanas anteriores e pelos que relataram internação nos últimos 12 meses, segundo SUS e não SUS. Foram analisadas as características socioeconômicas dos usuários, o tipo de atendimento e de serviço e os motivos da procura. A proporção de indivíduos que procuraram serviços de saúde não se alterou, assim como a parcela dos que conseguiram atendimento (96 por cento), entre 2003 e 2008. O SUS respondeu por 56,7 por cento dos atendimentos, realizando a maior parte das internações, vacinação e consultas e somente 1/3 das consultas odontológicas. Em 2008, manteve-se o gradiente de redução de utilização de serviços de saúde SUS conforme o aumento de renda e escolaridade. Houve decréscimo da proporção dos que procuraram serviços de saúde para ações de prevenção e aumento de procura para problemas odontológicos, acidentes e lesões e reabilitação. O padrão de utilização do SUS por região esteve inversamente relacionado à proporção de indivíduos com posse de planos privados de saúde.

PNAD data was employed to analyze the utilization profile of health services, and this was measured by the proportion of individuals seeking and reporting use of health services in the prior two weeks and those who reported hospitalization in the preceding 12 months. Private health plans covered 25.9 percent of the Brazilian population. Comparing data from 2003 and 2008 surveys, there was no change in the proportion of individuals seeking health services, as well as the proportion of those attended by these services (96 percent). The Unified Health System (SUS) was responsible for 56,7 percent of all healthcare, providing the bulk of medical visits, vaccine activities and hospital admissions, but accounted for only 1/3 of dental care. There was a reduction in SUS health services utilization with the increase of education and income level, in the two surveys. There was also a decrease in utilization of services due to prevention and an increase in dental problems, accidents, injuries and rehabilitation. The pattern of SUS services utilization per region was inversely related to the proportion of individuals with private health insurance coverage.

Social vulnerability and health status: a household survey in the central area of a Brazilian metropolis.

The self-rated health in a sample of adults living in the central area of São Paulo, Brazil, was studied by comparing a group of residents in census tracts without social vulnerability, identified using an indicator developed by the SEADE Foundation, and a group of residents in census tracts with middle, high or very high social vulnerability. Subject age and sex were used as control variables while family income, education level, degree of happiness, adequacy of income, satisfaction with the neighborhood and sense of discrimination were the intervening variables selected. After adjustment in the hierarchical model the self-rated health status was inversely associated with social vulnerability, age and sense of discrimination, and directly related to income, education level and degree of happiness. Satisfaction with the neighborhood and adequacy of income lose significance after adjustment. The degree of happiness is the variable with the greatest strength of association with health status even after controlling for other variables.

The "AMA-Brazil" cooperative project: a nation-wide assessment of the clinical and epidemiological profile of AIDS-related deaths in Brazil in the antiretroviral treatment era.

The objective of this study was to assess the profile of AIDS-related deaths in the post antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale up period in Brazil. A case-control study was conducted including a nationally probabilistic sample of AIDS deaths and living controls. Data were abstracted from medical records and nation-wide databases of AIDS cases, mortality, ART care, and laboratory testing. Interrupted (adjusted odds ratio--AOR 4.35, 95%CI: 3.15-6.00) or no use of ART (AOR 2.39, 95%CI: 1.57-3.65) was the strongest predictor of death, followed by late diagnosis (AOR 3.95, 95%CI: 2.68-5.82). Criterion other than CD4 < 350 had a higher likelihood of death (AOR 1.65, 95%CI: 1.14-2.40). Not receiving recommended vaccines (AOR, 1.76, 95%CI: 1.21-2.56), presenting AIDS-related diseases (AOR 2.19, 95%CI: 1.22-3.93) and tuberculosis (AOR 1.50, 95%CI: 1.14-1.97) had higher odds of death. Being an injecting drug user (IDU) had a borderline association with higher odds of death, while homo/bisexual exposure showed a protective effect. Despite remarkable successes, Brazilians continue to die of AIDS in the post-ART scale up period. Many factors contributing to continued mortality are preventable.

The "AMA-Brazil" cooperative project: a nation-wide assessment of the clinical and epidemiological profile of AIDS-related deaths in Brazil in the antiretroviral treatment era / Projeto cooperativo AMA-Brasil: um estudo nacional do perfil clinico e epidemiológico dos óbitos relacionados à AIDS na era da terapia antirretroviral

The objective of this study was to assess the profile of AIDS-related deaths in the post antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale up period in Brazil. A case-control study was conducted including a nationally probabilistic sample of AIDS deaths and living controls. Data were abstracted from medical records and nation-wide databases of AIDS cases, mortality, ART care, and laboratory testing. Interrupted (adjusted odds ratio - AOR 4.35, 95 percentCI: 3.15-6.00) or no use of ART (AOR 2.39, 95 percentCI: 1.57-3.65) was the strongest predictor of death, followed by late diagnosis (AOR 3.95, 95 percentCI: 2.68-5.82). Criterion other than CD4 < 350 had a higher likelihood of death (AOR 1.65, 95 percentCI: 1.14-2.40). Not receiving recommended vaccines (AOR, 1.76, 95 percentCI: 1.21-2.56), presenting AIDS-related diseases (AOR 2.19, 95 percentCI: 1.22-3.93) and tuberculosis (AOR 1.50, 95 percentCI: 1.14-1.97) had higher odds of death. Being an injecting drug user (IDU) had a borderline association with higher odds of death, while homo/bisexual exposure showed a protective effect. Despite remarkable successes, Brazilians continue to die of AIDS in the post-ART scale up period. Many factors contributing to continued mortality are preventable.

Analisou-se o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos óbitos relacionados à AIDS no período posterior à implementação da terapia antirretroviral (TARV) no Brasil, em um estudo caso-controle, com amostra representativa de óbitos por AIDS e de pessoas vivendo com AIDS, utilizando dados secundários. Abandono (odds ratio ajustada - AOR = 4,35, IC95 por cento: 3,15-6,00) ou não uso da TARV (AOR = 2,39, IC95 por cento: 1,57-3,65) foi o mais forte preditor de morte, seguido de diagnóstico tardio (AOR = 3,95, IC95 por cento: 2,68-5,82). Critério de definição de AIDS que não o "CD4 < 350" esteve associado a uma maior probabilidade de morte (AOR = 1,65, IC95 por cento: 1,14-2,40). Pacientes que não receberam vacinas recomendadas (AOR = 1,76, 95 por centoCI: 1,21-2,56), apresentando doenças associadas à AIDS (AOR = 2,19, IC95 por cento: 1,22-3,93) e com tuberculose (AOR = 1,50, IC95 por cento: 1,14-1,97), tiveram maior risco de morte. A categoria de exposição UDI apresentou maior chance de óbito. Apesar do sucesso com as introduções precoces da TARV, brasileiros continuaram a morrer de AIDS no período posterior à implementação da terapia, e muitas das causas subjacentes a essa mortalidade são preveníveis.

Social vulnerability and health status: a household survey in the central area of a Brazilian metropolis / Vulnerabilidade social e estado de saúde: inquérito domiciliar em uma metrópole brasileira

The self-rated health in a sample of adults living in the central area of São Paulo, Brazil, was studied by comparing a group of residents in census tracts without social vulnerability, identified using an indicator developed by the SEADE Foundation, and a group of residents in census tracts with middle, high or very high social vulnerability. Subject age and sex were used as control variables while family income, education level, degree of happiness, adequacy of income, satisfaction with the neighborhood and sense of discrimination were the intervening variables selected. After adjustment in the hierarchical model the self-rated health status was inversely associated with social vulnerability, age and sense of discrimination, and directly related to income, education level and degree of happiness. Satisfaction with the neighborhood and adequacy of income lose significance after adjustment. The degree of happiness is the variable with the greatest strength of association with health status even after controlling for other variables.

O estado de saúde autorreferido de uma amostra de adultos residentes na área central do Município de São Paulo, Brasil, foi estudado comparando-se um grupo de residentes em setores censitários sem vulnerabilidade social, segundo o indicador elaborado pela Fundação SEADE, e um grupo de residentes em setores censitários com média, alta ou muito alta vulnerabilidade social. A idade e o sexo foram utilizados como variáveis de controle, enquanto a renda familiar, o grau de escolaridade, o grau de felicidade, a adequação do nível de renda, a satisfação com a vizinhança e a sensação de discriminação foram as variáveis intervenientes selecionadas. Após o ajuste no modelo hierárquico, o estado de saúde autorreferido mostrou associação inversa com a vulnerabilidade social, idade e sensação de discriminação e relação direta com a renda, a escolaridade, o grau de felicidade. A satisfação com a vizinhança e a adequação do nível de renda perdem significância após o ajuste. O grau de felicidade é a variável com maior força de associação com o estado de saúde mesmo após o controle pelas demais variáveis.

['Judicialization' of public health policy for distribution of medicines]. / Judicialização da política pública de assistência farmacêutica e eqüidade.

The supply of medicines in response to court orders or injunctions has become a common practice in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. This 'judicialization' of the health system clashes with basic principles of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), such as equal opportunity to access health services. The aim of this paper is to analyze the legal action used to obtain medicines through the São Paulo State Health Department, from two main angles: judicialization of public policies and breach of the equity principle. This is a descriptive study of legal action taken to obtain medicines through the São State Health Department, as listed in the Electronic Court Docket System for the year 2006. Most cases were filed through private attorneys; 47% of the patients had obtained their prescriptions through private care; and 73% of the cases involved patients from the three wealthiest areas in the city of São Paulo. The data demonstrate that such legal action violates key principles of the SUS such as equity, thereby privileging individuals with higher purchasing power and more access to information.

Judicialização da política pública de assistência farmacêutica e eqüidade / "Judicialization" of public health policy for distribution of medicines

O fornecimento de medicamentos por ação judicial, pela Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo (SES-SP), tornou-se uma prática rotineira e cada vez mais freqüente. A judicialização do sistema de saúde entra em confronto com princípios básicos do SUS, como o da eqüidade. Este trabalho caracterizou as demandas judiciais para obtenção de medicamentos sob a ótica da judicialização da política pública e da quebra do princípio da eqüidade na dimensão coletiva. O estudo é um trabalho descritivo dos processos judiciais de solicitação de medicamentos à SES-SP relacionados no Sistema de Controle Jurídico (SCJ) no ano 2006. A maioria das ações analisadas foi ajuizada por advogados particulares; 47 por cento dos pacientes possuíam receitas da rede privada e cerca de 73 por cento dos processos foram provenientes de pacientes residentes nos três estratos de menor vulnerabilidade social do Município de São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados demonstram que essas demandas judiciais não respeitam princípios do SUS como o da eqüidade, privilegiando indivíduos com melhor poder aquisitivo e com acesso à informação.

The supply of medicines in response to court orders or injunctions has become a common practice in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. This "judicialization" of the health system clashes with basic principles of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS), such as equal opportunity to access health services. The aim of this paper is to analyze the legal action used to obtain medicines through the São Paulo State Health Department, from two main angles: judicialization of public policies and breach of the equity principle. This is a descriptive study of legal action taken to obtain medicines through the São State Health Department, as listed in the Electronic Court Docket System for the year 2006. Most cases were filed through private attorneys; 47 percent of the patients had obtained their prescriptions through private care; and 73 percent of the cases involved patients from the three wealthiest areas in the city of São Paulo. The data demonstrate that such legal action violates key principles of the SUS such as equity, thereby privileging individuals with higher purchasing power and more access to information.