Analysis of education level in access and use of health care services, ISA-Capital, São Paulo, Brazil, 2003 and 2015.

The great socioeconomic inequality that prevails in Brazil and the existence of a national health system with universal coverage places the need to monitor the evolution and social inequities regarding access to these services. This study aims to analyze the changes in the prevalence of health care use and the extent of social inequality in the demand, use and, access, resolution of health problems, satisfaction, and health care use of Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) according to education levels in the population living in the urban area of the Municipality of São Paulo, in 2003 and 2015. We analyzed data from two population-based household health surveys (Health Survey in São Paulo City - ISA-Capital) from 2003 and 2015. Dependent variables related to health care use in the two weeks preceding the survey and due to diseases included demand, access, satisfaction, problem resolution, and the public or private nature of the service. Prevalence was estimated using level of education and prevalence ratios (PR) by the Poisson regression. In the period, the demand for health care, access, resolution, and use of public health care increased from 2003 to 2015. Inequities in public health care use changed from 2003 to 2015 according to level of education. We found no social inequities in health care use in the municipality of São Paulo regarding demand, access, satisfaction, and resolution according to levels of education. Results show progress in the use and resolution of health care services, as well as the strong concentration of the use of SUS by the population with lower education. Results indicate the progress that SUS has made, but also show persistent challenges in the use and access to services.

Social inequalities in access to cancer screening and early detection: A population-based study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study monitors trends in access to cancer screening, focusing on mammography, Papanicolaou (Pap smear), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), assessing the magnitude of inequality in the city of São Paulo from 2003 to 2015 according to education level. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted with data from the 2003, 2008, and 2015 editions of the Health Survey of the City of São Paulo (ISA-Capital). Outcome variables were the proportion of mammography, Papanicolaou (Pap smear), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests according to the protocols. Inequality was measured by education level according to years of study. For static analysis, Poisson regression was used to estimate proportion ratios. RESULTS: The proportion of Pap smears remained stationary at a high level (>89%) throughout the study period, while access to mammography and PSA tests significantly increased in the 2003‒2015 period. The present results indicate inequalities in access to cancer screening due to education, and being more expressive for mammography and PSA tests. However, this inequality significantly decreased over the period analyzed comparing the most educated individuals with those with the lowest educational level. In addition, an increase in the proportion of tests performed in the Brazilian Unified Health System was identified, especially for mammography and PSA tests, in the period 2003‒2015. CONCLUSIONS: The inequalities observed in the access to preventive exams were influenced by the level of education. The offer of exams was expanded, more significantly for mammography and PSA, especially among the less educated group.

Analysis of education level in access and use of health care services, ISA-Capital, São Paulo, Brazil, 2003 and 2015 / Análise da escolaridade no acesso e utilização de serviços de saúde, ISA-Capital, São Paulo, Brasil, 2003 e 2015 / Análisis de la educación en el acceso y el uso de los servicios de salud, ISA-Capital, São Paulo, Brasil, 2003 y 2015

The great socioeconomic inequality that prevails in Brazil and the existence of a national health system with universal coverage places the need to monitor the evolution and social inequities regarding access to these services. This study aims to analyze the changes in the prevalence of health care use and the extent of social inequality in the demand, use and, access, resolution of health problems, satisfaction, and health care use of Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) according to education levels in the population living in the urban area of the Municipality of São Paulo, in 2003 and 2015. We analyzed data from two population-based household health surveys (Health Survey in São Paulo City - ISA-Capital) from 2003 and 2015. Dependent variables related to health care use in the two weeks preceding the survey and due to diseases included demand, access, satisfaction, problem resolution, and the public or private nature of the service. Prevalence was estimated using level of education and prevalence ratios (PR) by the Poisson regression. In the period, the demand for health care, access, resolution, and use of public health care increased from 2003 to 2015. Inequities in public health care use changed from 2003 to 2015 according to level of education. We found no social inequities in health care use in the municipality of São Paulo regarding demand, access, satisfaction, and resolution according to levels of education. Results show progress in the use and resolution of health care services, as well as the strong concentration of the use of SUS by the population with lower education. Results indicate the progress that SUS has made, but also show persistent challenges in the use and access to services.

A grande iniquidade socioeconômica que prevalece no Brasil e a existência de um sistema nacional de saúde com cobertura universal torna necessário o acompanhamento da evolução e das iniquidades sociais no acesso aos serviços. Analisar as mudanças na prevalência do uso de serviços de saúde e o grau de iniquidade social considerando a demanda, o uso e acesso, resolução de problemas de saúde, satisfação e utilização dos serviços de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), segundo o nível de escolaridade, na população residente na zona urbana do Município de São Paulo, em 2003 e 2015. Foram analisados dados de dois inquéritos domiciliares de saúde de base populacional (Inquérito de Saúde do Município de São Paulo - ISA-Capital) de 2003 e 2015. As variáveis dependentes relacionadas à utilização de serviços de saúde nas duas semanas anteriores à pesquisa e devido à presença de alguma doença incluem: demanda, acesso, satisfação, resolução do problema e a natureza pública ou privada do serviço. A prevalência foi estimada por meio da escolaridade e das razões de prevalência (RP) por regressão de Poisson. Entre 2003 e 2015, a demanda por cuidados de saúde, acesso, resolutividade e utilização de serviços públicos de saúde aumentou. As iniquidades no uso da saúde pública mudaram de 2003 para 2015 quando se trata do nível de escolaridade. Não foram encontradas iniquidades sociais na utilização dos serviços de saúde no Município de São Paulo em termos de demanda, acesso, satisfação e resolutividade, segundo o nível de escolaridade. Os resultados mostram avanços na utilização e resolutividade dos serviços de saúde, bem como uma forte concentração do uso do SUS pela população com menor nível de escolaridade. Os resultados indicam os avanços do SUS, mas também mostram que ainda há desafios no uso e acesso aos serviços.

La gran desigualdad socioeconómica que prevalece en Brasil y la existencia de un sistema nacional de salud con cobertura universal hace necesario el seguimiento de la evolución y de las desigualdades sociales en el acceso a los servicios. Analizar los cambios en la prevalencia del uso de servicios de salud y el grado de desigualdad social considerando la demanda, el uso y acceso, resolución de problemas de salud, satisfacción y utilización de los servicios de salud del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño (SUS), según el nivel de educación, en la población residente en la zona urbana del Municipio de São Paulo, en 2003 y 2015. Se analizaron los datos de dos encuestas de salud domiciliaria de base poblacional (Encuesta de Salud en el Municipio de São Paulo - ISA-Capital) de 2003 y 2015. Las variables dependientes relacionadas con el uso de los servicios de salud en las dos semanas anteriores a la investigación y debido a la presencia de alguna enfermedad incluyen: la demanda, el acceso, la satisfacción, la resolución del problema y la naturaleza pública o privada del servicio. La prevalencia se estimó mediante la educación y las razones de prevalencia (RP) mediante regresión de Poisson. Entre 2003 y 2015, aumentó la demanda de atención médica, el acceso, la resolución y el uso de los servicios de salud pública. Las desigualdades en el uso de la salud pública cambiaron de 2003 a 2015 en lo que respecta al nivel de educación. No fueron encontradas desigualdades sociales en la utilización de los servicios de salud en el municipio de São Paulo en términos de demanda, acceso, satisfacción y resolutividad, según el nivel de educación. Los resultados muestran avances en la utilización y la resolutividad de los servicios de salud, así como una fuerte concentración del uso del SUS por parte de la población con menor nivel de educación. Los resultados indican los avances del SUS, pero también muestran que todavía hay desafíos en el uso y acceso a los servicios.

Social inequalities in access to cancer screening and early detection: A population-based study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Objective: This study monitors trends in access to cancer screening, focusing on mammography, Papanicolaou (Pap smear), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), assessing the magnitude of inequality in the city of São Paulo from 2003 to 2015 according to education level. Method: This is a cross-sectional population-based study conducted with data from the 2003, 2008, and 2015 editions of the Health Survey of the City of São Paulo (ISA-Capital). Outcome variables were the proportion of mammography, Papanicolaou (Pap smear), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests according to the protocols. Inequality was measured by education level according to years of study. For static analysis, Poisson regression was used to estimate proportion ratios. Results: The proportion of Pap smears remained stationary at a high level (>89%) throughout the study period, while access to mammography and PSA tests significantly increased in the 2003-2015 period. The present results indicate inequalities in access to cancer screening due to education, and being more expressive for mammography and PSA tests. However, this inequality significantly decreased over the period analyzed comparing the most educated individuals with those with the lowest educational level. In addition, an increase in the proportion of tests performed in the Brazilian Unified Health System was identified, especially for mammography and PSA tests, in the period 2003-2015. Conclusions: The inequalities observed in the access to preventive exams were influenced by the level of education. The offer of exams was expanded, more significantly for mammography and PSA, especially among the less educated group.

Use of medicines in São Paulo, Brazil, and State Health Care Coverage, 2003 and 2015.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the use and acquisition of medicines in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2003 and 2015, according to sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status, and health conditions of the population. METHODS: Data were obtained from population health surveys "ISA-Capital". Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the use of medicines and coverage by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) according to socioeconomic status and health conditions in two periods: 2003 and 2015. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2015, the surveys showed an increase in the income and education level of the study population. There was no increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and use of medicines from 2003 to 2015. The provision of medicines by SUS was higher in 2015 than in 2003, and the coverage by SUS was higher in the population with lower education level and income in both 2003 and 2015. CONCLUSIONS: The use of medicines, mainly for chronic disease control, did not change over the years, and there was an increase in SUS coverage for medicines during 2003-2015 in all population groups, with a greater impact on the lower socioeconomic status population. The programs of the provision of medicines implanted since 2003 had influenced the greater SUS coverage for medicines and in the reduction of inequalities in access to medicines.

Risk assessment for oral urgent treatment in Primary Healthcare: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has advocated for the integration of dental care into the primary healthcare (PHC) setting, including oral urgent treatment (OUT). However, the knowledge necessary for OUT implementation in this setting is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to describe the impact of the implementation of oral disease risk assessment tools for oral health management in PHC. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included individuals served by a single public PHC unit, with integrated oral healthcare teams, located in the south region of the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between April of 2015 and March of 2017. Data were collected from dental records. Three co-primary endpoints: same day treatment offered, first future appointment scheduled fulfilled, and treatment plan completed were compared before and after the implementation of oral disease risk assessment for OUT. RESULTS: A total of 1214 individuals that sought OUT, 599 before and 615 after the implementation of oral disease risk assessment for OUT were included in the study. All three co-primary endpoints had significant changes after the implementation of oral disease risk assessment for OUT. Individuals were significantly more likely to be offered same day treatment after (39.9%; 95% CI:36.0-43.9%) than before (9.4%; 95% CI: 7.2-12.0%), to fulfill their first future appointment scheduled after (34.9%; 95% CI:31.1-38.8%) than before (20.7%; 95% CI: 17.5-24.2%), and to have their treatment plan completed after (14.3%; 95% CI:11.6-17.4%) than before (10.0%; 95% CI: 7.7-12.7%) the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided evidence of the positive impact oral disease risk assessment tools could have in the organization of OUT in PHC settings.

Correction: Leisure-time physical activity and sports in the Brazilian population: A social disparity analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225940.].

Leisure-time physical activity and sports in the Brazilian population: A social disparity analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) or sports in the Brazilian population according to demographic and income variables. METHODS: Data from 60,202 Brazilian individuals (18 years and over) were analyzed, belonging to the National Health Survey 2013 sample. The prevalence of different modalities of LTPA and sports was estimated according to age, sex, skin color and income. The adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: Of every thousand Brazilians, 695 do not practice LTPA or sports. Walking is the most practiced LTPA (98/1000), followed by soccer (68/1000) and weight training (45/1000). For poor and black men, the most frequent LTPA was soccer, and, for women, gymnastics and walking. The prevalence of weight training and gymnastics was higher for white people compared with black people. All LTPA practices were more prevalent in individuals with higher income, except for soccer. Running on a treadmill and weight training had, respectively, 24.7 and 6.4 times higher prevalence in the richer quartile. CONCLUSIONS: The study allowed identifying the type of LTPA and sport reported as the most frequent by the Brazilian population according to age, sex, skin color, and income, detecting strong social disparities in these practices.

Social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013. / Desigualdades sociais na prevalência de indicadores de envelhecimento ativo na população brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian older adult population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 11,177 older adults who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey in 2013. We estimated the prevalence of five domains of active aging (social activities, civic engagement, leisure-time physical activity, paid work, and volunteer work) according to gender, ethnicity, schooling, income, and private health insurance. Prevalence ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The percentage of involvement in organized social activities, civic engagement, and physical activity was 25.1, 12.4, and 13.1%, respectively. Regarding work, 20.7% of the sample had a paid job, and 9.7% participated in volunteer work. Women had a higher prevalence of participation in organized social activities and volunteer work; while civic engagement and paid work were more frequent among men. White people were more likely to participate in social activities, volunteer work, and leisure-time physical activity, explained by their schooling. The strata with a higher level of schooling, income, and who had private health insurance showed a greater incidence of participation in all activities studied. CONCLUSION: The five activities analyzed are challenging for the proposed policy of active aging, as they are marked by considerable social inequality.

OBJETIVO: Analisar desigualdades sociais na prevalência de indicadores de envelhecimento ativo na população idosa brasileira. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra de 11.177 idosos que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Brasil em 2013. Estimaram-se as prevalências de cinco domínios do envelhecimento ativo (atividades sociais, participação cívica, atividade física de lazer, trabalho remunerado e trabalho voluntário) segundo sexo, raça/cor, escolaridade, renda e posse de plano privado de saúde. As razões de prevalência e os intervalos de confiança foram calculados pela regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: O percentual de envolvimento em atividades sociais organizadas, participação cívica e atividade física foi de 25,1; 12,4 e 13,1%, respectivamente. Em relação ao trabalho, 20,7% exerciam trabalho remunerado e 9,7% participavam de trabalho voluntário. As mulheres apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em atividades sociais organizadas e em trabalho voluntário; e entre os homens prevaleceu a participação cívica e o trabalho remunerado. Entre os brancos, foram observadas maiores frequências de participação em atividades sociais, trabalho voluntário e atividade física de lazer, explicadas pela escolaridade. E os estratos com maior nível de escolaridade, renda e com posse de plano privado de saúde apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em todas as atividades consideradas. CONCLUSÃO: As cinco atividades analisadas se apresentam como desafiadoras à proposta política de envelhecimento ativo por serem marcadas por considerável desigualdade social.

Use of antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications in Brazil: an analysis of socioeconomic differences. National Health Survey, 2013. / Utilização de anti-hipertensivos e antidiabéticos no Brasil: análise das diferenças socioeconômicas. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the socioeconomic and demographic differences in medication use to control hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Brazil. METHOD: Data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS) performed in Brazil in 2013 with a representative sample of the population aged 18years old or older were analyzed. The use of medications for hypertension and diabetes according to income, education, race, possession of a private health insurance plan and region of household were estimated. Theprevalence ratios adjusted for sex and age were also estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: 81.4% of the hypertensive population used medication to control the disease. The use was higher among females, white/Caucasian individuals and those with a private health plan. In the case of diabetes mellitus, 80.2% of the population used medication to control the disease and the use was higher in elderly patients, patients with a higher level of education, patients with a private health plan, and patients in the Southeast region. Inequalities according to income and health plan were small even in the strata of sex, age and geographic region analyzed. CONCLUSION: We found a high use of medication to control hypertension and diabetes. Socioeconomic inequalities in use were not expressive, probably due to medication policies that promote greater and equitable access to medicines in Brazil.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a magnitude de desigualdades socioeconômicas e demográficas da utilização de medicamentos para controle de hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus na população brasileira. MÉTODO: Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) conduzida no Brasil em 2013, com amostra representativa da população com idade de 18 anos ou mais. Foi estimada a utilização de medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes segundo renda, escolaridade, raça, posse de plano de saúde e região de moradia. Também foram estimadas as razões de prevalência ajustadas por sexo e idade, por meio de regressão de Poisson. RESULTADOS: Entre os hipertensos, 81,4% fazem uso de medicamentos para controle da doença, sendo a utilização maior entre as mulheres, os brancos e os que têm plano de saúde. No caso de diabetes mellitus, 80,2% fazem uso de medicamentos para controlar a doença e o uso foi mais elevado entre os pacientes idosos, com maior escolaridade, com plano de saúde e da Região Sudeste. As desigualdades segundo renda e plano de saúde foram de pequena magnitude mesmo nos estratos de sexo, idade e região geográfica analisados. CONCLUSÃO: Foi constatada utilização de medicamentos para controle da hipertensão e diabetes que pode ser considerada elevada, e as desigualdades socioeconômicas e regionais desse uso revelaram-se de magnitude não expressiva, em virtude da implementação de políticas farmacêuticas no Brasil, que visam promover maior e mais equânime acesso da população a medicamentos.

Desigualdades sociais na prevalência de indicadores de envelhecimento ativo na população brasileira: Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian population: National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar desigualdades sociais na prevalência de indicadores de envelhecimento ativo na população idosa brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal com amostra de 11.177 idosos que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Brasil em 2013. Estimaram-se as prevalências de cinco domínios do envelhecimento ativo (atividades sociais, participação cívica, atividade física de lazer, trabalho remunerado e trabalho voluntário) segundo sexo, raça/cor, escolaridade, renda e posse de plano privado de saúde. As razões de prevalência e os intervalos de confiança foram calculados pela regressão de Poisson. Resultados: O percentual de envolvimento em atividades sociais organizadas, participação cívica e atividade física foi de 25,1; 12,4 e 13,1%, respectivamente. Em relação ao trabalho, 20,7% exerciam trabalho remunerado e 9,7% participavam de trabalho voluntário. As mulheres apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em atividades sociais organizadas e em trabalho voluntário; e entre os homens prevaleceu a participação cívica e o trabalho remunerado. Entre os brancos, foram observadas maiores frequências de participação em atividades sociais, trabalho voluntário e atividade física de lazer, explicadas pela escolaridade. E os estratos com maior nível de escolaridade, renda e com posse de plano privado de saúde apresentaram maiores prevalências de participação em todas as atividades consideradas. Conclusão: As cinco atividades analisadas se apresentam como desafiadoras à proposta política de envelhecimento ativo por serem marcadas por considerável desigualdade social.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze social inequalities in the prevalence of indicators of active aging in the Brazilian older adult population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 11,177 older adults who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey in 2013. We estimated the prevalence of five domains of active aging (social activities, civic engagement, leisure-time physical activity, paid work, and volunteer work) according to gender, ethnicity, schooling, income, and private health insurance. Prevalence ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. Results: The percentage of involvement in organized social activities, civic engagement, and physical activity was 25.1, 12.4, and 13.1%, respectively. Regarding work, 20.7% of the sample had a paid job, and 9.7% participated in volunteer work. Women had a higher prevalence of participation in organized social activities and volunteer work; while civic engagement and paid work were more frequent among men. White people were more likely to participate in social activities, volunteer work, and leisure-time physical activity, explained by their schooling. The strata with a higher level of schooling, income, and who had private health insurance showed a greater incidence of participation in all activities studied. Conclusion: The five activities analyzed are challenging for the proposed policy of active aging, as they are marked by considerable social inequality.

Utilização de anti-hipertensivos e antidiabéticos no Brasil: análise das diferenças socioeconômicas. Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013 / Use of antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications in Brazil: an analysis of socioeconomic differences. National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivos: Avaliar a magnitude de desigualdades socioeconômicas e demográficas da utilização de medicamentos para controle de hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus na população brasileira. Método: Foram analisados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) conduzida no Brasil em 2013, com amostra representativa da população com idade de 18 anos ou mais. Foi estimada a utilização de medicamentos para hipertensão e diabetes segundo renda, escolaridade, raça, posse de plano de saúde e região de moradia. Também foram estimadas as razões de prevalência ajustadas por sexo e idade, por meio de regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Entre os hipertensos, 81,4% fazem uso de medicamentos para controle da doença, sendo a utilização maior entre as mulheres, os brancos e os que têm plano de saúde. No caso de diabetes mellitus, 80,2% fazem uso de medicamentos para controlar a doença e o uso foi mais elevado entre os pacientes idosos, com maior escolaridade, com plano de saúde e da Região Sudeste. As desigualdades segundo renda e plano de saúde foram de pequena magnitude mesmo nos estratos de sexo, idade e região geográfica analisados. Conclusão: Foi constatada utilização de medicamentos para controle da hipertensão e diabetes que pode ser considerada elevada, e as desigualdades socioeconômicas e regionais desse uso revelaram-se de magnitude não expressiva, em virtude da implementação de políticas farmacêuticas no Brasil, que visam promover maior e mais equânime acesso da população a medicamentos.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To analyze the socioeconomic and demographic differences in medication use to control hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Brazil. Method: Data from the National Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde - PNS) performed in Brazil in 2013 with a representative sample of the population aged 18years old or older were analyzed. The use of medications for hypertension and diabetes according to income, education, race, possession of a private health insurance plan and region of household were estimated. Theprevalence ratios adjusted for sex and age were also estimated using Poisson regression. Results: 81.4% of the hypertensive population used medication to control the disease. The use was higher among females, white/Caucasian individuals and those with a private health plan. In the case of diabetes mellitus, 80.2% of the population used medication to control the disease and the use was higher in elderly patients, patients with a higher level of education, patients with a private health plan, and patients in the Southeast region. Inequalities according to income and health plan were small even in the strata of sex, age and geographic region analyzed. Conclusion: We found a high use of medication to control hypertension and diabetes. Socioeconomic inequalities in use were not expressive, probably due to medication policies that promote greater and equitable access to medicines in Brazil.

Use of and access to health services in Brazil, 2013 National Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of health services in the Brazilian population by sociodemographic factors, according to data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 205,000 Brazilian citizens in all age groups who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey, a cross-sectional study carried out in 2013. Prevalence and confidence intervals were estimated for indicators related to access to and use of health services according to age group, level of education of head of household, and Brazilian macroregions. RESULTS: Among individuals who sought health services in the two weeks prior to the survey, 95.3% (95%CI 94.9-95.8) received care in their first visit. Percentages were higher in the following groups: 60 years of age and over; head of household with complete tertiary education; living in the South and Southeast regions. In addition, 82.5% (95%CI 81.2-83.7) of individuals who received health care and prescriptions were able to obtain all the necessary medicines, 1/3 of them from SUS. Less than half the Brazilian population (44.4%; 95%CI 43.8-45.1) visited a dentist in the 12 months prior to the survey, with smaller percentages among the following groups: 60 years of age or older; head of household with no education or up to incomplete elementary; living in the North region of Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: People living in the South and Southeast regions still have greater access to health services, as do those whose head of household has a higher level of education. The (re)formulation of health policies to reduce disparities should consider differences encountered between regions and social levels. OBJETIVO: Descrever o uso de serviços de saúde na população brasileira segundo fatores sociodemográficos, de acordo com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados referentes a 205 mil brasileiros, de todas as faixas etárias, que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, estudo transversal conduzido em 2013. Calcularam-se as prevalências e seus intervalos de confiança para indicadores referentes ao acesso e a utilização dos serviços de saúde, segundo grupos de idade, nível de instrução do chefe da família e macrorregiões do país. RESULTADOS: Dentre os indivíduos que procuraram o serviço de saúde nas duas semanas prévias à pesquisa, 95,3% (IC95% 94,9-95,8) conseguiu usá-lo na primeira vez que procurou. As proporções foram maiores: no grupo de 60 anos ou mais; cujo chefe da família tinha nível superior completo; e nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Ainda, dos indivíduos atendidos e que tiveram medicamentos receitados, 82,5% (IC95% 81,2-83,7) conseguiram obter todos os medicamentos, sendo 1/3 pelo SUS. Menos da metade da população brasileira (44,4%; IC95% 43,8-45,1) consultou um dentista nos 12 meses anteriores à pesquisa, com proporções menores entre: indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais; cujo chefe da família não possuía nível de instrução ou tinha até o fundamental incompleto; e indivíduos que residiam na região Norte do país. CONCLUSÕES: Pessoas que residem nas regiões Sul e Sudeste ainda possuem maior acesso aos serviços de saúde, bem como aquelas cujo chefe da família tem maior nível de instrução. A (re)formulação de políticas de saúde no intuito de reduzir disparidades deve considerar as diferenças regionais e entre níveis sociais encontradas.

Use, access, and equity in health care services in São Paulo, Brazil.

The study analyzed how socioeconomic factors are associated with seeking, access, use, and quality of health care services in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were obtained from two household health surveys in São 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).

Use of and access to health services in Brazil, 2013 National Health Survey / Acesso e uso de serviços de saúde pela população brasileira, Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde 2013

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the use of health services in the Brazilian population by sociodemographic factors, according to data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Survey. METHODS The study analyzed data from 205,000 Brazilian citizens in all age groups who participated in the Brazilian National Health Survey, a cross-sectional study carried out in 2013. Prevalence and confidence intervals were estimated for indicators related to access to and use of health services according to age group, level of education of head of household, and Brazilian macroregions. RESULTS Among individuals who sought health services in the two weeks prior to the survey, 95.3% (95%CI 94.9–95.8) received care in their first visit. Percentages were higher in the following groups: 60 years of age and over; head of household with complete tertiary education; living in the South and Southeast regions. In addition, 82.5% (95%CI 81.2–83.7) of individuals who received health care and prescriptions were able to obtain all the necessary medicines, 1/3 of them from SUS. Less than half the Brazilian population (44.4%; 95%CI 43.8–45.1) visited a dentist in the 12 months prior to the survey, with smaller percentages among the following groups: 60 years of age or older; head of household with no education or up to incomplete elementary; living in the North region of Brazil. CONCLUSIONS People living in the South and Southeast regions still have greater access to health services, as do those whose head of household has a higher level of education. The (re)formulation of health policies to reduce disparities should consider differences encountered between regions and social levels.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever o uso de serviços de saúde na população brasileira segundo fatores sociodemográficos, de acordo com dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013. MÉTODOS Foram analisados dados referentes a 205 mil brasileiros, de todas as faixas etárias, que participaram da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, estudo transversal conduzido em 2013. Calcularam-se as prevalências e seus intervalos de confiança para indicadores referentes ao acesso e a utilização dos serviços de saúde, segundo grupos de idade, nível de instrução do chefe da família e macrorregiões do país. RESULTADOS Dentre os indivíduos que procuraram o serviço de saúde nas duas semanas prévias à pesquisa, 95,3% (IC95% 94,9–95,8) conseguiu usá-lo na primeira vez que procurou. As proporções foram maiores: no grupo de 60 anos ou mais; cujo chefe da família tinha nível superior completo; e nas regiões Sul e Sudeste. Ainda, dos indivíduos atendidos e que tiveram medicamentos receitados, 82,5% (IC95% 81,2–83,7) conseguiram obter todos os medicamentos, sendo 1/3 pelo SUS. Menos da metade da população brasileira (44,4%; IC95% 43,8–45,1) consultou um dentista nos 12 meses anteriores à pesquisa, com proporções menores entre: indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais; cujo chefe da família não possuía nível de instrução ou tinha até o fundamental incompleto; e indivíduos que residiam na região Norte do país. CONCLUSÕES Pessoas que residem nas regiões Sul e Sudeste ainda possuem maior acesso aos serviços de saúde, bem como aquelas cujo chefe da família tem maior nível de instrução. A (re)formulação de políticas de saúde no intuito de reduzir disparidades deve considerar as diferenças regionais e entre níveis sociais encontradas.

Use, access, and equity in health care services in São Paulo, Brazil / Uso, acesso e equidade nos serviços de saúde em São Paulo, Brasil / Uso, acceso y equidad en los servicios de salud en São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: The study analyzed how socioeconomic factors are associated with seeking, access, use, and quality of health care services in São Paulo, Brazil. Data were obtained from two household health surveys in São 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).

Resumo: O estudo analisou os fatores socioeconômicos associados à procura, acesso, uso e qualidade dos serviços de assistência à saúde em São Paulo, Brasil. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de dois inquéritos domiciliares de saúde em São Paulo. A regressão logística foi utilizada para analisar as associações entre fatores socioeconômicos e a procura, acesso, uso e qualidade dos serviços de assistência à saúde. O acesso aos serviços de assistência à saúde era alto entre aqueles que procuravam (94,91% em 2003 e 94,98% em 2008). A proporção de acesso e uso dos serviços de assistência à saúde não mudou de maneira significativa entre 2003 e 2008. O use de serviços no setor público era mais frequente nos extratos socioeconômicos mais baixos. Houve algumas diferenças na procura de assistência e na resolução dos problemas de saúde. O estudo mostrou acesso quase universal aos serviços de assistência à saúde, mas os resultados sugerem problemas na qualidade dos serviços e diferenças na qualidade vivenciada pelos grupos socioeconômicos mais baixos, a maioria dos quais utilizavam o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).

Resumen: El estudio analizó los factores socioeconómicos asociados a la búsqueda, acceso, uso y calidad de los servicios de asistencia a la salud en São Paulo, Brasil. Los datos fueron obtenidos a partir de dos encuestas domiciliarias de salud en São Paulo. La regresión logística se utilizó para analizar las asociaciones entre factores socioeconómicos y la búsqueda, acceso, uso y calidad de los servicios de asistencia a la salud. El acceso a los servicios de asistencia a la salud era alto entre aquellos que lo buscaban (94,91% en 2003 y 94,98% en 2008). La proporción de acceso y uso de los servicios de asistencia a la salud no se vio modificado de manera significativa entre 2003 y 2008. El uso de servicios en el sector público era más frecuente en los estratos socioeconómicos más bajos. Hubo algunas diferencias en la búsqueda de asistencia y en la resolución de los problemas de salud. El estudio mostró un acceso casi universal a los servicios de asistencia a la salud, pero los resultados sugieren problemas en la calidad de los servicios y diferencias en la calidad experimentada por los grupos socioeconómicos más bajos, la mayoría de los cuales utilizaban el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS).

Socioeconomic inequalities in dental health services in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2003-2008.

BACKGROUND: Access to, and use of, dental health services in Brazil have improved since 2003. The increase of private health care plans and the implementation of the "Smiling Brazil" Program, the largest public oral health care program in the world, could have influenced this increase in access. However, we do not yet know if inequalities in the use of dental health services persist after the improvement in access. The aims of this study are to analyze socioeconomic differences for dental health service use between 2003 and 2008 in São Paulo and to examine changes in these associations since the implementation of the Smiling Brazil program in 2003. METHOD: Data was obtained via two household health surveys (ISA-Capital 2003 and ISA-Capital 2008) which investigated living conditions, lifestyle, health status and use of health care services. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between socioeconomic factors and dental services use. Additionally, trends from 2003 to 2008 regarding socioeconomic characteristics and dental health service use were explored. RESULTS: Overall, dental health service use increased between 2003 and 2008 and was at both time points more common among those who had higher income, better education, better housing conditions, private health care plans and were Caucasian. Inequalities in use of dental health care did not decrease over time. Among the reasons for not seeking dental care, not having teeth and financial difficulty were more common in lower socioeconomic groups, while thinking it was unnecessary was more common in higher socioeconomic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian oral health policy is still in a period of expansion and seems to have contributed slightly to increased dental health service use, but has not influenced socioeconomic inequalities in the use of these services. Acquiring deeper knowledge about inequalities in dental health service use will contribute to better understanding of potential barriers to reducing them.

Use of generic drugs in São Paulo city, Brazil, in 2003: a population-based study. / Utilização de medicamentos genéricos no município de São Paulo em 2003: estudo de base populacional.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the use and perception of generic drugs by people with diabetes and hypertension in São Paulo City, Brazil, considering the Brazilian Generic Drug Policy. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study using data from a household health survey (ISA-Capital) in 2003; analysis was performed on knowledge regarding generic drugs and on the association between their use and sociodemographic and socio-economic characteristics. RESULTS: 603 people with hypertension and diabetes were included in the study, low use of generic drugs was found (33.3% and 26.3, respectively) and low cost was the major reported advantage of generic drugs (71.0% and 71.1%, respectively); there was no statistically significant difference between the use of generic medication and age, sex or schooling. CONCLUSION: low cost and there being no difference between generic drug use and education level strengthen the importance of generic drugs for promoting equity and universal access to medication.