Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia (Jan 2014)

Equitable access to health services for children aged 5 to 9 in a medium city of northeasth of Brazil: a result of Family Health Strategy

  • Adriana Xavier de Santiago,
  • Ivana Cristina de Holanda Cunha Barreto,
  • Ana Cecília Silveira Lins Sucupira,
  • José Wellington de Oliveira Lima,
  • Luiz Odorico Monteiro de Andrade

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4503201400060004
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. suppl 2
pp. 39 – 52

Abstract

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INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian National Health System may reduce inequalities in access to health services through strategies that can reach those most in need with no access to care services. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with the use of health service by children aged 5 to 9 years in the city of Sobral, Ceará, northeastern Brazil. RESULTS: Only 558 (17.0%) children used health care services in the 30 days preceding this survey. Children with any health condition (OR = 3.90) who were frequent attenders of primary care strategy of organization (the Family Health Strategy, FHS) (OR = 1.81) and living in the city's urban area (OR = 1.51) were more likely to use health services. Almost 80% of children used FHS as their referral care service. Children from poorer families and with easier access to services were more likely to be FHS users. CONCLUSION: The study showed that access to health services has been relatively equitable through the FHS, a point of entry to the local health system.

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