Urban-rural disparity in health services utilization in a small municipality

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the existence of urban-rural disparity in health services utilization by people living in a small municipality. Methods: cross-sectional study with a representative random sample of people aged 18 years and older in the urban area (n=1.235) and the entire population of a rural district (n=190). The Health Services Utilization questionnaire, from the National Household Survey in Brazil, was used. The analysis considered logistic regression models to examine factors associated with health services utilization within 30 days prior to the study. Results: the utilization rate by people in urban area was significantly higher than in rural area (45.0% vs 15.8%). Women and people who reported symptoms of diseases and diagnosis of hypertension were more likely to use health services. Conclusion: under the same municipal health organization, people living in the rural area have lower health services utilization when compared to those living in the urban area.

Keywords

• health services
• facilities and services utilization
• rural population
• urban population