The incorporation of the 3HP regimen for tuberculosis preventive treatment in the Brazilian health system: a secondary-database nationwide analysis.

Introduction: The recommendation of rifampin-based shorter - and safer - regimens for tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is progressively replacing monotherapy with isoniazid by different countries. The Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) approved the incorporation of the Rifapentine + isoniazid regimen (3HP) at the end of 2020, with free distribution in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) started from the last quarter of 2021. The objectives were to describe the implementation of the IL-TB System (Information System of TPT Notification) and uptake of Rifapentine + isoniazid (3HP) and Isoniazid (6H or 9H) in Brazil. Methods: A quantitative observational and descriptive was performed using the IL-TB National System as the main data source, from January 2018 to December 2022. Results and discussion: There was a steady increase of the number of TPT prescription quarterly throughout the period, which reflects the implementation of the system itself and the progressive adherence of the health system to the non-compulsory notification of new TPT. The substitution of isoniazid (6H or 9H) by 3HP is progressing. The 3HP regimen represented less than 4% of the total administered by the end of 2021, reaching around 30% in the second half of 2022 and 40% in the last quarters of 2022. The study points not only to the need to expand TPT in the country, but also to accelerate 3HP uptake and to encourage the municipalities to notify to the IL-TB system, since there is still a high level of underreporting.

Inappropriate use of medicines and associated factors in Brazil: an approach from a national household survey.

This article aims to describe the inappropriate use of medicines in the Brazilian urban population and to identify associated factors. We conducted a data analysis of a household survey carried out in Brazil in 2013-14. The sampling plan was done by clusters with representativeness of the urban population and large regions of the country, according to gender and age domains. For this analysis, we considered a sample of adults (≥20 years) who reported having chronic non-communicable diseases, medical indication for drug treatment and medicine use (n = 12 283). We evaluated the prevalence of inappropriate use in the domains: non-adherence, inappropriate use behaviour and inadequate care with medicines, all verified in the following groups of independent variables: demographic and socio-economic characteristics, health and pharmaceutical care, health status and use of medicines. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were obtained using robust Poisson regression. It was found 46.1% of people having at least one behaviour of inappropriate use of medicines. The worst results were found for the domain of inappropriate use behaviour, a situation of 36.6% of the users, which included unauthorized prescriber, inadequate source of information and indication of the medicines by non-authorized prescribers. The best result was found for the lack of medicines care, informed by only 4.6% of users who kept expired drugs at home. The inappropriate use of medicines was associated with gender (female), region of residence (Northeast), not visiting the doctor regularly or visiting more than one doctor, not having free access to medicines and using of five or more medicines. There was a high prevalence of inappropriate use, which was associated with both individual and health system characteristics pointing out the need to set priorities as for health education and public interventions.

Fiscal austerity and the health sector: the cost of adjustments / Austeridade fiscal e o setor saúde: o preço do ajuste

Abstract Fiscal austerity policies have been used as responses to economic crises and fiscal deficits in both developed and developing countries. While they vary in regard to their content, intensity and implementation, such models recommend reducing public expenses and social investments, retracting the public service and substituting the private sector in lieu of the State to provide certain services tied to social policies. The present article discusses the main effects of the recent economic crisis on public health based on an updated review with consideration for three dimensions: health risks, epidemiological profiles of different populations, and health policies. In Brazil, the combination of economic crisis and fiscal austerity policies is capable of producing a direr situation than those experienced in developed countries. The country is characterized by historically high levels of social inequality, an under-financed health sector, highly prevalent chronic degenerative diseases and persisting preventable infectious diseases. It is imperative to develop alternatives to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis taking into consideration not only the sustainability of public finance but also public well-being.

Resumo Políticas de austeridade fiscal têm sido utilizadas como respostas à crise econômica e deficit fiscal tanto em países desenvolvidos como em desenvolvimento. Embora variem quanto ao conteúdo, intensidade e cronograma de implementação, tais modelos preconizam a redução do gasto público, promovendo também a diminuição do investimento social, a retração da máquina pública e a substituição do Estado pelo setor privado na provisão de determinados serviços vinculados a políticas sociais. Este artigo debate os principais efeitos da crise econômica recente sobre a saúde da população, tendo sido baseado em uma revisão atualizada, considerando-se três dimensões: riscos à saúde, perfil epidemiológico das populações e políticas de saúde. A crise econômica no Brasil, combinada com a política de austeridade fiscal, pode produzir um contexto mais grave do que o vivenciado pelos países desenvolvidos. O país apresenta altos níveis históricos de desigualdade social, subfinanciamento do setor saúde, alta prevalência de doenças crônico-degenerativas e persistência de doenças infeciosas evitáveis. É imperativo que se construam alternativas para se mitigar os efeitos da crise econômica, levando-se em conta não apenas a sustentabilidade das finanças públicas, mas também o bem-estar da população.

Fiscal austerity and the health sector: the cost of adjustments.

Fiscal austerity policies have been used as responses to economic crises and fiscal deficits in both developed and developing countries. While they vary in regard to their content, intensity and implementation, such models recommend reducing public expenses and social investments, retracting the public service and substituting the private sector in lieu of the State to provide certain services tied to social policies. The present article discusses the main effects of the recent economic crisis on public health based on an updated review with consideration for three dimensions: health risks, epidemiological profiles of different populations, and health policies. In Brazil, the combination of economic crisis and fiscal austerity policies is capable of producing a direr situation than those experienced in developed countries. The country is characterized by historically high levels of social inequality, an under-financed health sector, highly prevalent chronic degenerative diseases and persisting preventable infectious diseases. It is imperative to develop alternatives to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis taking into consideration not only the sustainability of public finance but also public well-being.

Use of health services and medicines by hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. / Uso de serviços de saúde e de medicamentos por portadores de Hipertensão e Diabetes no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with emergency care and hospitalization of hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, especially those related to the use of medicines. This is across-sectional study using secondary database from a household survey that approached hypertensive and diabetic patients. The outcome variables were: 1) seek for emergency careasa resultof complications related to hypertension and diabetes in the 12months preceding the interviews; 2) hospitalizationin the same period andfor the same reasons. Uni and bivariate analysis between exposure variables and each of the outcomes were performed using chi-square test at a significance level of 10%, which originated multivariate logistic regression analysis. Negative self-evaluation of health status was associated with both outcomes in the multivariate analysis. Having stopped taking the medications was associated with hospitalization and having missed a medical appointment in the last six months was associated with search for emergency care.

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar os fatores associados à busca de atendimento de emergência e internação por portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) e Diabetes Mellitus (DM) no município do Rio de Janeiro, sobretudo aqueles ligados ao uso de medicamentos. Trata-se de estudo transversal utilizando dados de base secundária referentes à abordagem em nível domiciliar em que foram realizadas entrevistas diretamente com portadores de HA/DM. As variáveis de desfecho foram: 1) procura por atendimento de emergência como decorrência de complicações relacionadas à HA/DM nos 12 meses anteriores à entrevista; 2) Internação no mesmo período e pelo mesmo motivo. Foi feita análise uni e bivariada entre as variáveis de exposição e cada um dos desfechos utilizando-se teste qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 10%, dando origem a modelos de regressão logística multivariada. A autoavaliação negativa do estado de saúde associou-se a ambos desfechos na análise multivariada. Ter deixado de tomar os medicamentos associou-se à internação e ter faltado nos seis meses precedentes à consulta agendada associou-se à busca por emergência.

Uso de serviços de saúde e de medicamentos por portadores de Hipertensão e Diabetes no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Use of health services and medicines by hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever e analisar os fatores associados à busca de atendimento de emergência e internação por portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) e Diabetes Mellitus (DM) no município do Rio de Janeiro, sobretudo aqueles ligados ao uso de medicamentos. Trata-se de estudo transversal utilizando dados de base secundária referentes à abordagem em nível domiciliar em que foram realizadas entrevistas diretamente com portadores de HA/DM. As variáveis de desfecho foram: 1) procura por atendimento de emergência como decorrência de complicações relacionadas à HA/DM nos 12 meses anteriores à entrevista; 2) Internação no mesmo período e pelo mesmo motivo. Foi feita análise uni e bivariada entre as variáveis de exposição e cada um dos desfechos utilizando-se teste qui-quadrado ao nível de significância de 10%, dando origem a modelos de regressão logística multivariada. A autoavaliação negativa do estado de saúde associou-se a ambos desfechos na análise multivariada. Ter deixado de tomar os medicamentos associou-se à internação e ter faltado nos seis meses precedentes à consulta agendada associou-se à busca por emergência.

Abstract This study aimed to describe and analyze factors associated with emergency care and hospitalization of hypertensive and diabetic patients in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, especially those related to the use of medicines. This is across-sectional study using secondary database from a household survey that approached hypertensive and diabetic patients. The outcome variables were: 1) seek for emergency careasa resultof complications related to hypertension and diabetes in the 12months preceding the interviews; 2) hospitalizationin the same period andfor the same reasons. Uni and bivariate analysis between exposure variables and each of the outcomes were performed using chi-square test at a significance level of 10%, which originated multivariate logistic regression analysis. Negative self-evaluation of health status was associated with both outcomes in the multivariate analysis. Having stopped taking the medications was associated with hospitalization and having missed a medical appointment in the last six months was associated with search for emergency care.

Pharmaceutical services in Rio de Janeiro Municipality, Brazil: development regarding selected aspects from 2008 to 2014. / Assistência farmacêutica no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: evolução em aspectos selecionados de 2008 a 2014.

This article aims to analyze the development of pharmaceutical services in the context of the primary health care (PHC) in the period 2008- 2014, focusing on selection, procurement and financing of medicines. A retrospective study was undertaken, using as data sources administrative documents of Rio de Janeiro Municipality Health Secretariat (SMS-RJ) as well as secondary database. We found a growth of numbers medicines offered for PHC of 57 items in 2008 to 222 in 2014. Actual spending on drugs paid by the city has grown 38% in the period, with a reversal from 2010, of the proportion of PHC related to tertiary care drugs, reaching 2.4 times in 2014, the year that public spending on medicines per capita of PHC was 9% greater than the value agreed between the three federal levels. It can be concluded that there have been important changes in pharmaceutical services in Rio de Janeiro Municipality in the period following the reform of PHC held in this territory, with increasing the conditions for therapeutic coverage and increased drug funding. The growth of per capita public spending on medicines above the agreed value raises the need to strengthen the rationalization of management measures.

Assistência farmacêutica no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: evolução em aspectos selecionados de 2008 a 2014 / Pharmaceutical services in Rio de Janeiro Municipality, Brazil: development regarding selected aspects from 2008 to 2014

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a evolução da assistência farmacêutica no contexto da atenção primária (APS) no período 2008-2014, com foco na seleção, financiamento e aquisição de medicamentos. Foi empreendido estudo retrospectivo que utilizou como fontes de dados documentos administrativos da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro (SMS-RJ), além de base de dados secundários. Encontrou-se ampliação da diversidade de itens ofertados para a APS de 57 em 2008 para 222 em 2014. O gasto real em medicamentos liquidado pela prefeitura cresceu 38% no período e houve inversão, a partir de 2010, da proporção de medicamento da APS em relação aos hospitalares, alcançando 2,4 vezes em 2014, ano em que o gasto público em medicamentos da APS per capita foi 9% maior que o valor pactuado entre os três entes federados. Pode-se concluir que houve mudanças importantes na assistência farmacêutica do município do Rio de Janeiro no período que sucedeu a reforma da APS realizada, com o aumento das condições com cobertura terapêutica e expansão do financiamento de medicamentos. O crescimento do gasto público per capita em medicamentos acima do valor pactuado suscita a necessidade de intensificar as medidas de racionalização gerencial.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the development of pharmaceutical services in the context of the primary health care (PHC) in the period 2008- 2014, focusing on selection, procurement and financing of medicines. A retrospective study was undertaken, using as data sources administrative documents of Rio de Janeiro Municipality Health Secretariat (SMS-RJ) as well as secondary database. We found a growth of numbers medicines offered for PHC of 57 items in 2008 to 222 in 2014. Actual spending on drugs paid by the city has grown 38% in the period, with a reversal from 2010, of the proportion of PHC related to tertiary care drugs, reaching 2.4 times in 2014, the year that public spending on medicines per capita of PHC was 9% greater than the value agreed between the three federal levels. It can be concluded that there have been important changes in pharmaceutical services in Rio de Janeiro Municipality in the period following the reform of PHC held in this territory, with increasing the conditions for therapeutic coverage and increased drug funding. The growth of per capita public spending on medicines above the agreed value raises the need to strengthen the rationalization of management measures.

A evolução da carga de causas externas no Brasil: uma comparação entre os anos de 1998 e 2008 / Evolution of the burden of injuries in Brazil: a comparison between 1998 and 2008 / La evolución de la carga de causas externas en Brasil: una comparación entre los años 1998 y 2008

Resumo O objetivo foi comparar as estimativas das causas externas provenientes do estudo Carga Global de Doenças, entre os anos 1998 e 2008. A estimação do DALY (disability-adjusted life year) e do YLL (years of life lost) foi baseada em metodologia do estudo Carga Global de Doenças. Para o cálculo do YLD (years lived with disability), foram incluídas informações sobre atendimentos em emergências. Para comparabilidade, fez-se necessária a aplicação da mesma metodologia nos dois momentos analisados, tendo sido a mais recente eleita como padrão de referência. Em ambos os anos as causas externas foram responsáveis por cerca de 10% do total do DALY. Entretanto, sua distribuição interna apresentou marcada diferença entre as regiões do Brasil, com queda no Sudeste e aumento no Norte e Nordeste. Houve aumento das causas intencionais e o DALY se tornou mais letal (maior parcela de YLL). Espera-se que tais resultados balizem a formulação de políticas e/ou o aprimoramento das já existentes com vistas ao efetivo enfrentamento das causas externas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare estimates of external causes based on the Global Burden of Disease in Brazil Study for the years 1998 and 2008. Methods included estimation of DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) and YLL (years of life lost), based on the methodology proposed in the Global Burden of Disease Study. Calculation of YLD (years lived with disability) required applying the same methodology in both years, with the 2008 methodology as the standard. Although external causes accounted for some 10% of total DALYs in both years, their internal distribution showed marked differences between regions of Brazil, with a decrease in the Southeast and increase in the North and Northeast. There was an increase in intentional causes, and YLLs accounted for the largest share of DALYs. The results can support new policies and/or improve existing ones to address external causes.

Resumen El objetivo fue comparar las estimaciones de las causas externas desde el estudio Carga Global Enfermedades entre los años 1998/2008. La estimación de los DALY (disability-adjusted life year) e YLL (years of life lost) se basó en la metodología del estudio Carga Global de Enfermedades. Para el cálculo de YLD (years lived with disability), era necesario aplicar la misma metodología en ambos períodos, siendo elegido como el último punto de referencia. Pese a que en ambos períodos las causas externas fueron responsables de alrededor del 10% del total de DALY, su distribución interna mostró marcadas diferencias entre las regiones brasileñas con una caída en el Sudeste y un aumento en el Norte y Noreste. Se observó un aumento de causas intencionales y la YLL fue responsable de la mayor proporción de DALY en todos los grupos de causas externas. Se espera que estos resultados balicen la formulación de políticas y/o la mejora de las que ya existen, con el fin de hacer frente eficazmente a las causas externas.

Morbidity and mortality associated with injuries: results of the Global Burden of Disease study in Brazil, 2008.

The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of disease from external causes in 2008 in Brazil, based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). YLLs (years of life lost) were estimated according to the method proposed by Murray & Lopez (1996). Meanwhile, the method for estimating YLDs (years lived with disability) included methodological adjustments taking the Brazilian reality into account. The study showed a total of 195 DALYs per 100 thousand inhabitants, of which 19 DALYs were related to external causes. Among YLLs, 48% were from unintentional causes and 52% from intentional causes. Among YLDs, unintentional causes predominated, with 95%. The share of YLLs in DALYs was 90%. The cause with the highest proportion of YLLs was "homicide and violence" (43%), followed by "road traffic accidents" (31%). Falls accounted for the highest share of YLDs (36%). The sex ratio (male-to-female) was 4.8 for DALYs, and the predominant age bracket was 15-29 years. Since external causes are avoidable, the study provides potentially useful information for policymakers in public security and health.

Morbidity and mortality associated with injuries: results of the Global Burden of Disease study in Brazil, 2008 / Diferenciais de morbimortalidade por causas externas: resultados do estudo Carga Global de Doenças no Brasil, 2008 / Diferenciais de morbimortalidade por causas externas: resultados do estudo Carga Global de Doenças no Brasil, 2008 / Morbimortalidad por las causas externas: resultados del estudio Carga Global de las Enfermedades en Brasil, 2008

The aim of this study was to estimate the global burden of disease from external causes in 2008 in Brazil, based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years). YLLs (years of life lost) were estimated according to the method proposed by Murray & Lopez (1996). Meanwhile, the method for estimating YLDs (years lived with disability) included methodological adjustments taking the Brazilian reality into account. The study showed a total of 195 DALYs per 100 thousand inhabitants, of which 19 DALYs were related to external causes. Among YLLs, 48% were from unintentional causes and 52% from intentional causes. Among YLDs, unintentional causes predominated, with 95%. The share of YLLs in DALYs was 90%. The cause with the highest proportion of YLLs was "homicide and violence" (43%), followed by "road traffic accidents" (31%). Falls accounted for the highest share of YLDs (36%). The sex ratio (male-to-female) was 4.8 for DALYs, and the predominant age bracket was 15-29 years. Since external causes are avoidable, the study provides potentially useful information for policymakers in public security and health.

El objetivo de este artículo es estimar la carga global de las causas externas en el año 2008 en Brasil. La metodología calcula el indicador DALY (años de vida potencialmente perdidos). El YLL (años potenciales de vida perdidos) fue calculado siguiendo el método propuesto por Murray & López (1996). Sin embargo, para las YLD (años vividos con discapacidad) se han aplicado enfoques metodológicos teniendo en cuenta el contexto brasileño. El DALY fue de 195 por cada 100 mil habitantes, de ellos, 19 eran específicos de causas externas. El YLL estaba compuesto por un 48% de las lesiones intencionales y un 52% de las no intencionales. En el YLD, las lesiones no intencionales corresponden a 95%. El YLL contribuye al 90% del DALY. En el YLL, las causas más frecuentes fueron homicidios y la violencia (43%), seguida de accidentes de tráfico (31%). Las caídas son la mayor proporción del YLD (36%). Había una razón hombre, mujer de 4,8 en el DALY, y el grupo de edad predominante fue de 15 a 29 años. Las lesiones son prevenibles en general y estos resultados pueden contribuir a proporcionar información importante para los responsables políticos en los campos de la salud y la seguridad pública.

O objetivo do artigo é estimar a carga global de doença para causas externas em 2008, no Brasil. A metodologia empregada estimou o DALY (anos de vida perdidos ajustados por incapacidade). O método de estimação dos anos de vida perdidos (YLL) foi o proposto por Murray & Lopez (1996). Entretanto, para estimar os anos de vida vividos com incapacidade (YLD) foram aplicados refinamentos metodológicos considerando-se a realidade brasileira. Estimaram-se 195 DALY por 100 mil habitantes, sendo 19 DALY relacionados às causas externas. O YLL compôs-se de 48% de causas não intencionais e 52% intencionais. Já no YLD, as não intencionais predominaram com 95%. A participação do YLL no DALY foi de 90%. A causa com maior proporção de YLL foi "homicídio e violência" (43%), seguida por "acidentes de trânsito" (31%). As quedas representam a maior proporção de YLD (36%). Observou-se uma razão de masculinidade de 4,8 no DALY e a faixa etária predominante foi de 15-29 anos. Sendo as causas externas evitáveis, tem-se importantes subsídios para os formuladores de políticas de segurança pública e de saúde.

[Evolution of the burden of injuries in Brazil: a comparison between 1998 and 2008]. / A evolução da carga de causas externas no Brasil: uma comparação entre os anos de 1998 e 2008.

The objective of this study was to compare estimates of external causes based on the Global Burden of Disease in Brazil Study for the years 1998 and 2008. Methods included estimation of DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) and YLL (years of life lost), based on the methodology proposed in the Global Burden of Disease Study. Calculation of YLD (years lived with disability) required applying the same methodology in both years, with the 2008 methodology as the standard. Although external causes accounted for some 10% of total DALYs in both years, their internal distribution showed marked differences between regions of Brazil, with a decrease in the Southeast and increase in the North and Northeast. There was an increase in intentional causes, and YLLs accounted for the largest share of DALYs. The results can support new policies and/or improve existing ones to address external causes.

[Rational use of medicines by individuals with diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Uso racional de medicamentos entre indivíduos com diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This study focuses on the rational use of medicines (RUM) by hypertensive and/or diabetic patients treated in primary health care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It involves a cross-sectional study conducted between January and February 2010. Indicators were created considering the following aspects: adherence to prescribed medicine, self-medication and how patients store medicines within their households. Univariate and multivariate data analysis was performed. Of the 547 patients studied, 77.5% reported that they usually take the entire course of medicines and 80.3% reported that they tend not to forget to take them. Almost all respondents reported that they only take medications prescribed by authorized health professionals. Half of the patients had no expired medicines or damaged medicine packages in the home. Statistical tests revealed that RUM is higher among hypertensive individuals who are married and working, who mention receiving medical guidance about diet and physical exercise, and who have not missed any scheduled medical appointments at the primary health care unit within the 6 months before this research was conducted. The findings emphasize the importance of primary health care in promoting the rational use of medicines.

Uso racional de medicamentos entre indivíduos com diabetes mellitus e hipertensão arterial no município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Rational use of medicines by individuals with diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Este estudo tem como objetivo o uso racional de medicamentos (URM) entre indivíduos com Hipertensão Arterial (HA) e/ou Diabetes Mellitus (DM) atendidos em unidades básicas de saúde no município do Rio de Janeiro. Trata-se de estudo transversal utilizando os dados de inquérito domiciliar realizado de janeiro a fevereiro de 2010. Foram elaborados indicadores para mensurar a taxa de adesão ao tratamento, automedicação e cuidados domiciliares relacionados aos medicamentos. O tratamento dos dados incluiu análise uni e multivariada. Dos 547 pacientes entrevistados, 77,5% relataram não costumar deixar sobrar medicamentos e 80,3% relataram não costumar esquecer de tomá-los. Quase a totalidade dos entrevistados relataram apenas tomar medicamentos prescritos por prescritores. Metade dos pacientes não tinham medicamentos com validade vencida ou embalagem danificada no domicílio. Os testes estatísticos mostraram que houve maior uso racional entre hipertensos, indivíduos casados, que trabalham, que referem receber orientações de seu médico sobre dieta e exercício físico e que não faltaram a consultas na unidade básica de saúde nos 6 meses anteriores à pesquisa. O achados reforçam a importância da atenção primária em saúde para a promoção do URM.

This study focuses on the rational use of medicines (RUM) by hypertensive and/or diabetic patients treated in primary health care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It involves a cross-sectional study conducted between January and February 2010. Indicators were created considering the following aspects: adherence to prescribed medicine, self-medication and how patients store medicines within their households. Univariate and multivariate data analysis was performed. Of the 547 patients studied, 77.5% reported that they usually take the entire course of medicines and 80.3% reported that they tend not to forget to take them. Almost all respondents reported that they only take medications prescribed by authorized health professionals. Half of the patients had no expired medicines or damaged medicine packages in the home. Statistical tests revealed that RUM is higher among hypertensive individuals who are married and working, who mention receiving medical guidance about diet and physical exercise, and who have not missed any scheduled medical appointments at the primary health care unit within the 6 months before this research was conducted. The findings emphasize the importance of primary health care in promoting the rational use of medicines.

Desempenho da atenção primária e uso racional de medicamentos por pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos no município do Rio de Janeiro / Performance of primary care and rational use of medicines for hypertension and diabetes patients in the city of Rio de Janeiro

A Diabetes Mellitus (DM) e Hipertensão Arterial (HA) são doenças crônicas de grandeimportância epidemiológica, alvo de diversas estratégias da atenção primária em saúde.O uso racional de medicamentos constitui fator importante para a melhoria da qualidadede vida e prevenção de complicações dessas doenças. O objetivo desta dissertação édescrever e analisar o desempenho da atenção primária em sáude (APS) e o uso racionalde medicamentos (URM) por pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos no município do Rio de Janeiro no ano de 2009, período prévio à reorganização da APS nesta cidade. Trata-se de estudo transversal e observacional utilizando base de dados secundária. As informações são provenientes de visitas à unidades básicas de saúde (USr) e à domicílios no âmbito do projeto Avaliação do Programa Remédio em Casa,conduzido no ano de 2009. São investigados aspectos relacionados à adesão medicamentosa, à automedicação e aos cuidados com medicamentos, organizados em seis indicadores utilizados como proxy para medida do uso racional de medicamentos nesta população. Adicionalmente, são apresentados indicadores de desempenho das US considerando em suas dimensões, aspectos da Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS) e dos Serviços Farmacêuticos (SF) a saber: Acesso, vínculo, elenco de serviços, coordenação ou integração dos serviços, formação profissional, uso racional de medicamentos e satisfação. O URM, medido de diferentes formas, foi maior entre hipertensos,indivíduos casados, que trabalham, que referem receber orientações de seu médico sobre dieta e exercício físico e que não faltaram a consultas na US nos 6 meses anteriores a entrevista. De uma forma geral, encontrou-se baixa adesão ao tratamento,especialmente entre os pacientes diabéticos que também apresentaram valores mais baixos para outros indicadores de URM...

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension (HA) are chronic diseases of greatepidemiological importance, being the target of several primary health care strategies.The rational use of medicines is an important factor for the improvement of the qualityof life and the prevention of complications of those diseases. The main purpose of thisthesis is to describe and analyze the performance of the primary health care (PHC) and the rational use of medicines (RUM) by hypertensive and diabetic patients in the city ofRio de Janeiro in 2009, a period prior to the reorganization of the PHC in this city. It is based on a cross-sectional observational study using a secondary database. Data wascollected during visits to PHC units and to households included in the project Avaliação do Programa Remédio em Casa conducted in 2009. The study investigatedthe aspects related to medication adherence, self-medication and care with drugs,organized into six indicators used as a proxy measure for the rational use of drugs inthis population. In addition, the study presents performance indicators of the health careunits considering the following aspects of the PHC and the Pharmaceutical Services: access, longitudinality, comprehensiveness, coordination, work force development, rational use of medicines and satisfaction. The RUM, measured in different ways, was higher among hypertensive individuals who are married, employed, who reported tohave received doctor’s advice about diet and who exercise and attended the medical consultations in the healthcare units during the 6 months preceding the interviews. Ingeneral, the study found low adherence to treatment, especially among diabetic patients, who also had lower scores for the other indicators of RUM...