The Family Health Strategy: expanding access and reducinghospitalizations due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC)

Structure and process in primary health care for children and spatial distribution of infant mortality

OBJECTIVE

To identify the spatial patterns of the quality of the structure of primary health care services and the teams' work process and their effects on infant mortality in Brazil.

METHODS

An ecological study of spatial aggregates, using the 5,570 municipalities in Brazil as the unit of analysis. Secondary databases from the Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB - National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care), the Mortality Information System (SIM), and the Live Birth Information System (SINASC) were used. In 2018, the infant mortality rate was the outcome of the study, and the exposure variables were the proportion of basic health units (BHU) with adequate structure and work processes. Global and local Moran's indices were used to evaluate the degree of dependence and spatial autocorrelation. Spatial linear regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

In 2018, in Brazil, the infant mortality rate was 12.4/1,000 live births, ranging from 10.6/1,000 and 11.2/1,000 in the South and Southeast, respectively, to 14.1/1,000 and 14.5/1,000 in the Northeast and North regions, respectively. The proportion of teams with an adequate work process (β = -3.13) and the proportion of basic health units with an adequate structure (β = -0.34) were associated with a reduction in the infant mortality rate. Spatial autocorrelation was observed between smoothed mean infant mortality rates and indicators of the structure of primary health care services and the team's work process, with higher values in the North and Northeast of Brazil.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a relationship between the structure of primary health care services and the teams' work process with the infant mortality rate. In this sense, investment in the qualification of health care within the scope of primary health care can have an impact on reducing the infant mortality rate and improving child health care.

Primary health care organization in municipalities of São Paulo, Brazil: a model of care aligned with the Brazilian Unified National Health System's guidelines

This study analyzes the main organization patterns used by primary health care (PHC) services in municipal networks and evaluates them according to indicators of local management-administration interface. Evaluative research analyzed 461 municipalities in São Paulo, Brazil, that participated in the Primary Care Services Quality Assessment Survey (QualiAB) in 2017/2018, classified according to the organizational arrangements composition of 2,472 PHC services. Eight indicators of local management and administration were selected to evaluate the identified patterns. Results indicate two groups of municipalities: homogeneous, with services presenting the same arrangement (43.6%); and heterogeneous, with different arrangements (56.4%). These were subdivided into seven patterns that ranged from homogeneous-traditional, homogeneous-Family Health Strategy, homogeneous-mixed, and different combinations in the heterogeneous group. All indicators showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001), especially the homogeneous-traditional group, which presented an organizational pattern far from the desired model of a comprehensive and problem-solving PHC. Those integrated with family health units (FHU) and basic health units with community health workers and/or family health teams (BHU/FHU) showed a pattern closer to a comprehensive model - with planning and evaluation actions committed to the local reality and qualification of care. Implementation of federal and state policies are essential for defining the PHC health care model adopted by municipalities.

Socioeconomic Indicators and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease in Brazil from 2000 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have identified inequalities in the variation of mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) when comparing regions with different levels of socioeconomic development indicators.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the variation in IHD and CBVD mortality rates and economic development, evaluated by the sociodemographic index (SDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI) in Brazil over a period of 20 years.

METHODS

Ecological study of time series of crude and standardized mortality rates (direct method, based on the Brazilian population in year 2000) from IHD and CBVD by sex and Federative Unit (FU) between 2000 and 2019, compared using the SDI and SVI.

RESULTS

There was an improvement in SDI and SVI concomitantly to a reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from IHD and CBVD in the country; however, this occurred unevenly across the FUs. The FUs with the best socioeconomic indicators had the greatest reduction in mortality rates.

DISCUSSION

The variations in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD, compared using variations in socioeconomic development, are aligned with those from previous studies, but the present study goes further by including the indicators SDI and SVI in the comparison. The limitations include the observational nature of the study, the use of databases, and the vulnerability to ecological bias.

CONCLUSION

The observed data raise the hypothesis that the improvement in socioeconomic conditions is one of the factors responsible for the reduction in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD.

Hospitalizations in Brazil according to National Health Survey estimates, 2013 and 2019

OBJECTIVE

To compare the profile and prevalence of hospitalizations in Brazil based on estimates from the National Health Survey (PNS), 2013 and 2019.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study that used data from the 2013 PNS and the 2019 PNS. The outcome was having been hospitalized for 24 hours or more in the last 12 months. We calculated the proportion of the population in different categories of age group, presence or absence of chronic diseases, and perception of health status. We estimated the total number of hospitalizations and the proportion corresponding to each category of age group, chronic disease, and perceived health status. We calculated the prevalence of hospitalization according to geographic, socioeconomic, and health conditions. We compared the estimates of two editions of the PNS using Student's t-test for independent samples. We considered significant differences when the p-value was less than 0.01. And finally, we compared hospitalization estimates with administrative data to assess data consistency.

RESULTS

We observed that the proportion of chronically ill people in the population increased from 15.04% to 31.48%. This group was responsible for 36.76% of the total number of hospitalizations in 2013 and 57.61% in 2019. The prevalence of hospitalizations increased significantly between the two surveys and the increases were higher in the Southeast region and among people who have private health insurance. A discrepancy was found between administrative data and survey estimates. Obstetric hospitalizations and health insurance hospitalizations were underestimated.

CONCLUSION

There was an increase in overall hospitalization rates in the period between the PNS 2013 and PNS 2019, especially among people with better access to health services. The hospitalization profile also changed-in the 2013 PNS, hospitalizations of people without chronic diseases predominated. This was reversed in PNS 2019.

Temporal analysis of Family Health Strategy indicators from the perspective of the Brazilian National Primary Health Care Policy

Throughout the three editions of the Brazilian National Primary Health Care Policy (PNAB), changes were made in relation to the structure of the Family Health Strategy (FHS), with emphasis on modifications concerning the priority nature of the FHS as an organization and care strategy in primary health care. The objective was to analyze temporal trends in indicators related to the FHS from the perspective of the three PNAB editions: 2006, 2011, and 2017. This is a descriptive study of the temporal trend of indicators selected from a logical model constructed by components related to the FHS in the three editions of the PNAB. The logical model was developed based on the components Territory/Enrollment, Teams, Work Process, Territory Planning and Management, and Care for Priority Groups by Family Health Teams, each one being represented by selected indicators. The construction of the national and regional time series between 2007 and 2020 was carried out using the Joinpoint software. Most of the indicators showed an upward trend in the first time segments identified by the models, followed by segments of stability or decrease, especially after the year 2017. The indicator Number of community health workers stands out, which decreased after 2017 in most geographical regions and in Brazil. The 2017 PNAB may have discouraged the continuation and expansion of the FHS as the priority model of primary health care, by allowing and financing new teamwork arrangements and processes.

Weighted capitation incentive (Previne Brasil Program): impacts on the evolution of the population register in PHC

In Brazil, consistent advances occurred towards universal coverage after the creation of the Family Health Program (FHP), the main strategy for expanding first contact access and changing the care model in Brazil, strengthened from the creation of The Primary Care Floor (PAB), with resources exclusively for Primary Care, transferred to the municipalities on a regular and automatic basis. The registration of the population is one of the fundamentals of work in the Family Health Strategy (ESF), aiming to know the families enrolled in the teams. The institution of the Previne Brasil Program in November 2019 established a new funding model for PHC, with weighted capitation as one of its components, whose remuneration model is calculated based on the number of people registered. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of the population registered in PHC after the weighted capitation incentive creation, considering the registration in the municipalities and their behavior in the different rural-urban municipal typologies and the population size. The study showed that in 76.1% of the municipalities there was an increase in registrations in the analyzed period, regardless of the rural-urban typology and population size of the municipalities.

Panorama of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Brazil and its Association With Self-Perception of Health: Findings From a National Representative Survey

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a challenge in Brazil. The country holds one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, most of which are preceded by IPV. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 34,334 women, aged 18 to 59 years, from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey to analyze the prevalence of IPV and its subtypes among the Brazilian adult women in the last 12 months, encompassing their health consequences and the use of health services resulting from IPV. We also used logistic regression models to estimate the association of sociodemographic characteristics and self-perceived health status with IPV. The prevalence of IPV among Brazilian adult women in the last 12 months was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] [7.0, 8.2]). Women aged 18 to 39 years, not married, and with income of up to 1 minimum wage (MW), had higher odds of suffering IPV. Among those who reported health consequences due to IPV, 69% reported psychological consequences, and 13.9% sought health care, mostly in primary or secondary health care services in the Brazilian Unified Health System (41.9%). Regarding the self-perceived health variables, women who reported eating problems (odds ratio [OR]  =  1.29; [1.01, 1.65]), lack of interest/absence of pleasure (OR  =  1.41; [1.11, 1.79]), depressive feelings (OR  =  1.39; [1.03, 1.88]), feeling of failure (OR = 1.75; [1.36, 2.24]), and suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.73; [1.25, 2.41]) had greater odds of reporting IPV compared to those who did not report these same perceptions. The results show that younger, divorced or single, low-income women with eating problems and mental health disorders were more likely to suffer IPV. IPV often led to health problems, and many abused women sought support from public health services. Health professionals must be trained to identify and care for these women, thereby acting as allies in preventing and reducing IPV.

[Self-reported morbidities and lifestyles of agricultural and non-agricultural workers in Brazil: a comparative analysis between 2013 and 2019]

Differences in the profiles of illness and lifestyles among agricultural and non-agricultural workers were investigated using data from the National Health Survey (Brazilian acronym PNS) of 2013 and 2019. The prevalence and 95% CIs were calculated for the following variables: self-reported morbidities, poor self-rated health, limitations of usual activities, number of NCD, major or minor depression and lifestyles. The Poisson model was used to calculate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios, by gender and age. The sample weights and the conglomerate effect in 2013 and 2019 were considered in the analyses. A total of 33,215 non-agricultural workers and 3,797 agricultural workers were evaluated in 2013, whereas 47,849 non-agricultural workers and 4,751 agricultural workers were assessed in 2019. Agricultural workers are more susceptible to poor self-rated health, chronic back problems, excessive physical activity at work, smoking and lower consumption of vegetables and fruit. On the other hand, non-agricultural workers revealed a higher prevalence of asthma/bronchitis, depression and diabetes mellitus and greater consumption of candies and soft drinks. Differentiated NCD prevention and treatment actions for both groups of workers need to be prioritized.

Inequalities in unmet need for health care services and medications in Brazil: a decomposition analysis

Background

Unmet need is a metric used to assess the performance of health care systems throughout the world. One of the primary objectives of the Brazilian health care system is to identify ways to improve the health outcomes of all citizens. To accomplish this challenging goal, the health care system in Brazil will need to identify and eliminate barriers and provide timely and adequate access to health care services to all.

Methods

This study assessed the performance of the Brazilian health care system by focusing on the unmet need for health care services and medications. We evaluated the Brazilian National Health Survey data collected in 2013 and 2019 to determine the magnitude of socioeconomic-related inequalities associated with unmet health care needs. Primary contributing factors were identified via decomposition analysis of the calculated concentration indices (CInds).

Findings

Despite the availability of universal health care, 3.8% and 7.5% of the population in Brazil reported unmet needs for health care services and medications, respectively in the 2019 survey. Although the overall unmet need for medications remained unchanged between 2013 and 2019, CInd analysis revealed significant pro-poor inequalities with respect to unmet needs for both health care services and medications. The overall magnitude of these inequalities was higher in the poorer regions of the country. The use of private health insurance as well as individual health and socioeconomic status contributed significantly to the inequalities associated with unmet needs for health care services and medication throughout Brazil.

Interpretations

Policy interventions should focus on improving access to health care services, extending coverage to include pharmaceuticals, and targeting both financial and non-financial barriers to obtaining care, particularly those experienced by the poor and vulnerable populations in Brazil.

Funding

None.

Persistent inequalities in health care services utilisation in Brazil (1998-2019)

BACKGROUND

One of the primary objectives of the Brazilian health care system is to improve the health and well-being of all citizens. Since the establishment of the Unified Health System/Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) in 1988, Brazil has made strides towards reducing inequalities in health care services utilisation. However, there are currently no comprehensive and up-to-date studies focused on inequalities in both curative and preventive health care services utilisation.

METHODS

We evaluated data from the National Household Sample Survey and the Brazilian National Health Survey, which are two nationally representative studies that include findings from 1998, 2003, and 2008 and 2013 and 2019, respectively. We calculated Erreygers-corrected Concentration Indices (CInds) to evaluate the magnitude of socioeconomic-related inequalities associated with five indicators of health care services utilisation, including physician visits, hospital admissions, surgical procedures, Pap smears, and mammograms. The main factors associated with these inequalities were identified via a decomposition analysis of the calculated CInds.

RESULTS

While the results of our analysis revealed persistent inequalities in health care services utilisation that favour the wealthy, we found that the overall magnitude of these inequalities decreased over time. The largest inequalities were observed in the utilisation of preventive care services (Pap smears and mammograms) and services available in the poorest regions of the country. Except for admissions for labour and delivery, our findings revealed that wealthier individuals were more likely to utilise hospital services; this represents a change from findings reported in previous years. Private health insurance coverage and individual socioeconomic status are significantly associated with inequalities in health care services utilisation throughout Brazil.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings suggest that we must continue to monitor potential inequalities in health care service utilisation to determine whether Brazilian policy objectives focused on improved health outcomes for all will ultimately be achieved.

Community Health Workers: what do international studies tell us?

Abstract This is a narrative review whose objective is to understand the state of the art of the literature on Community Health Worker (CHW) programs worldwide, identifying their nomenclatures, practices, training, and working conditions. The major concentration of CHW programs can still be found in low- and middle-income countries in Africa (18), Asia (12), and Latin America (05), with a few experiences in high-income countries in North America (02) and Oceania (01). In total, 38 experiences were cataloged, and the practices of care, surveillance, education, health communication, administrative practices, intersectoral articulation, and social mobilization were described. The levels and duration of CHW training were characterized, as were the different working conditions in each country. Much of the work is precarious, often voluntary and carried out by women. This review provided a comparative overview that can contribute to enrich the view of managers and decision-makers in contexts of the implementation, expansion, and reconfiguration of such programs.

Community Health Workers: what do international studies tell us?

This is a narrative review whose objective is to understand the state of the art of the literature on Community Health Worker (CHW) programs worldwide, identifying their nomenclatures, practices, training, and working conditions. The major concentration of CHW programs can still be found in low- and middle-income countries in Africa (18), Asia (12), and Latin America (05), with a few experiences in high-income countries in North America (02) and Oceania (01). In total, 38 experiences were cataloged, and the practices of care, surveillance, education, health communication, administrative practices, intersectoral articulation, and social mobilization were described. The levels and duration of CHW training were characterized, as were the different working conditions in each country. Much of the work is precarious, often voluntary and carried out by women. This review provided a comparative overview that can contribute to enrich the view of managers and decision-makers in contexts of the implementation, expansion, and reconfiguration of such programs.

Treatments used by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in Brazil: National Survey of Health, 2013

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of treatments used for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Brazilian adult population.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study with data from the 2013 Brazilian National Survey of Health, including individuals aged 40 years or older, with a self-reported medical diagnosis of COPD, chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, who were asked about treatments used for disease management.

RESULTS

A total of 60,202 adults were interviewed, of which 636 were 40 years of age or older and had reported a medical diagnosis of COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Less than half (49.4%) of the diagnosed population reported using some type of treatment, with differences regarding the macro-region of the country (South 53.8% - Northeast 41.2%, p = 0.007). Pharmacological treatment was the most reported, and emphysema patients had the highest proportion of those undergoing more than one type of treatment. Among the individuals who reported having only chronic bronchitis, 55.1% (95%CI: 48.7-61.4) used medication, 4.7% (95%CI: 2.6-8.3) underwent physical therapy, and 6.0% (95%CI: 3.6-9.9) oxygen therapy. On the other hand, among the emphysema patients, 44.1% (95%CI: 36.8-51.7) underwent drug treatment, 8.8% (95%CI: 5.4-14.2) physical therapy, and 10.0% (95%CI: 6.3-15.6) oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of treatments for COPD management was below ideal in 2013. The pharmacological treatment was the main type of treatment, followed by oxygen therapy and physical therapy.

Work process for coordination of care in the Family Health Strategy

Abstract Objective To understand the work process of Family Health Strategy teams in the coordination of care, highlighting factors involved in this coordination. Method Qualitative study based on the attributes of care coordination, carried out with 18 care and management professionals between January and March 2020. Results Three final themes emerged: “Care plan”; “Standardization of practices”; and “Dialogical communication at different levels of care”. The pattern of responses points to the fragmentation of care and weakens coordination mechanisms. The exposure of restrictive factors related to the meso- and macro-organizational levels of the municipal health system reverberates in the ability of teams to coordinate care. Conclusion and implications for practice The coordination of care faces obstacles related to the work process of teams and structural issues in the organization of the health network. The contributions go beyond care and management, reaching education, research, and extension in professional training. Permanent education enables reorientations to guarantee the flow of users in the care network and provide comprehensive care to the population.

Processo de trabalho para coordenação do cuidado na Estratégia de Saúde da Família

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o processo de trabalho de equipes da Estratégia Saúde da Família na coordenação do cuidado, ressaltando fatores intervenientes a essa coordenação. Método Pesquisa com abordagem qualitativa, ancorada nos atributos da coordenação do cuidado, realizada com 18 profissionais da atenção e gestão, entre janeiro e março de 2020. Resultados Emergiram três temas finais: “Plano de cuidados”, “Alinhamento de condutas” e “Comunicação dialógica nos distintos níveis de atenção”. O padrão de respostas aponta a fragmentação da assistência e fragiliza os mecanismos de coordenação. A exposição de fatores restritivos relativos ao nível meso e macro organizacional do sistema municipal de saúde reverbera na capacidade das equipes de coordenar o cuidado ao usuário. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A coordenação do cuidado enfrenta obstáculos relacionados ao processo de trabalho das equipes e questões estruturais na organização da rede de saúde. As contribuições transpõem a atenção e gestão, alcançam o ensino, pesquisa e extensão na formação profissional. A educação permanente possibilita reorientações para garantir o fluxo dos usuários na rede de atenção e propiciar atenção integral à população.

A puericultura no SUS: o cuidado da criança na perspectiva da atenção integral à saúde

RESUMO O termo puericultura é atribuído ao pediatra, mas tem sido utilizado pela Estratégia Saúde da Família. Uma breve história da infância e da evolução do seu cuidado até a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde auxilia na compreensão de que, a rigor, puericultura sempre significou cuidado da criança. Este ensaio teve por objetivo compreender a história da puericultura e contribuir para atualizar o seu significado e sua importância para o cuidado da primeira infância no âmbito da Atenção Básica à saúde, com base em revisão narrativa sobre cuidado da criança e puericultura na literatura científica e em documentos do Ministério da Saúde. A puericultura tem se atualizado com a evolução das ações para o cuidado da criança. Começou de forma individualizada, pela caridade e filantropia, e, na atualidade, ampliou-se, operando em rede, coordenada pela Atenção Básica. O termo puericultura é resgatado como cuidado da criança e inserido na rede por meio de políticas públicas. O cuidado deve ser oferecido na perspectiva da atenção integral à saúde, onde a criança estiver, atendendo às suas necessidades, incluindo as de crianças com deficiências permanentes. Esses debates precisam estar inseridos na formação do pediatra e podem contribuir para o enfrentamento da fragmentação do cuidado.

Evolução da estrutura e resultados da Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil entre 2008 e 2019

Resumo Descreve a evolução da estrutura e resultados da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Brasil, entre 2008 e 2019. Foram calculadas a mediana de variáveis como: despesa per capita em APS por habitante coberto, cobertura da APS e as taxas de mortalidade e internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária (CSAP) de 5.565 municípios brasileiros estratificados segundo porte populacional e quintil do Índice Brasileiro de Privação (IBP) e analisada a tendência mediana no período. Houve aumento de 12% na mediana da despesa em APS. A cobertura da APS expandiu, sendo que 3.168 municípios apresentaram 100% de cobertura em 2019, contra 2.632 em 2008. A mediana das taxas de mortalidade e internações por CSAP aumentou 0,2% e diminuiu 44,9% respectivamente. A despesa em APS foi menor nos municípios com maior privação socioeconômica. Quanto maior o porte populacional e melhores as condições socioeconômicas dos municípios, menor a cobertura da APS. Quanto maior a privação socioeconômica dos municípios, maiores foram as medianas das taxas de mortalidade por CSAP. Este estudo demonstrou que a evolução da APS foi heterogênea e está associada tanto ao porte populacional como às condições socioeconômicas dos municípios.

Evolution of the structure and results of Primary Health Care in Brazil between 2008 and 2019

Abstract This paper describes the structure and results of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Brazil between 2008 and 2019. The medians of the following variables were calculated: PHC spending per inhabitant covered, PHC coverage, and rates of mortality and hospitalizations due to primary care sensitive conditions (PCSC), in 5,565 Brazilian municipalities stratified according to population size and quintile of the Brazilian Deprivation Index (IBP), and the median trend in the period was analyzed. There was a 12% increase in median PHC spending. PHC coverage expanded, with 3,168 municipalities presenting 100% coverage in 2019, compared to 2,632 in 2008. The median rates of PCSC mortality and hospitalizations increased 0.2% and decreased 44.9%, respectively. PHC spending was lower in municipalities with greater socioeconomic deprivation. The bigger the population and the better the socioeconomic conditions were in the municipalities, the lower the PHC coverage. The greater the socioeconomic deprivation was in the municipalities, the higher the median PCSC mortality rates. This study showed that the evolution of PHC was heterogeneous and is associated both with the population size and with the socioeconomic conditions of the municipalities.

Participative management in Primary Health Care: an essay on an experience in a vulnerable urban territory

ABSTRACT Participatory management, although instituted in the norms of the constitution of the Brazilian Universal Health System (SUS), still faces challenges to be effective in practice at a local level, especially in complex urban territories, aiming at community strengthening and social participation. This essay aims to present and discuss aspects of a participatory management experience in a vulnerable territory, mediated by Primary Health Care. This experience of health co-management was developed between 2009 and 2013 in Manguinhos, a municipality of Rio de Janeiro. From the managers’ reports and the technical materials produced, the implementation of strategies analyzed were the mobilization to create a local intersectoral management council and those of information, education, and communication in health supported by institutional supporters and by the family health teams. We concluded that democratic managerial and sanitary practices can be developed through social technologies, which value participative and shared management among workers-users-management.

Gestão participativa na Atenção Primária à Saúde: ensaio sobre experiência em território urbano vulnerável

RESUMO A gestão participativa, embora instituída nas normativas de constituição do Sistema Único de Saúde, ainda encontra desafios para efetivação em âmbito local, especialmente em territórios urbanos marcados por violência e pobreza. O ensaio objetivou apresentar e discutir aspectos de uma experiência de gestão participativa em um território vulnerável, mediada pela Atenção Primária à Saúde. Essa experiência de cogestão da saúde foi desenvolvida entre 2009 e 2013 em Manguinhos, no município do Rio de Janeiro. A partir do relato de gestores e de materiais técnicos produzidos, analisou-se a implementação de estratégias, tais como a mobilização para criação de um conselho gestor intersetorial local e aquelas de informação, educação e comunicação em saúde suportadas por apoiadores institucionais e pelas equipes de saúde da família. Concluiu-se que práticas gerenciais e sanitárias democráticas podem ser desenvolvidas por meio de tecnologias sociais, que valorizem a gestão participativa e compartilhada entre trabalhadores-usuários-gestão.

A percepção do usuário idoso sobre o acesso e a qualidade da Atenção Primária à Saúde

Introdução: O envelhecimento populacional brasileiro já repercute na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar a percepção dos idosos quanto ao acesso e à qualidade da atenção em Bambuí, Minas Gerais. Métodos: Esta pesquisa tem abordagem qualitativa. O modelo dos signos, significados e ações foi utilizado na coleta e análise dos dados. Foram realizadas entrevistas nos domicílios, cuja escolha baseou-se em critérios para garantir a heterogeneidade dos participantes. Resultados: A análise fundamentou-se na perspectiva êmica. Nela, emergiram elementos que compõem a percepção do usuário idoso acerca da implantação e da consolidação do Sistema Único de Saúde e da Estratégia Saúde da Família local na categoria ― Desafios da Atenção Primária à Saúde na percepção do usuário idoso. Observou-se na percepção dos idosos, o serviço público evoluiu para melhor, porém ainda persistem dificuldades de acesso e a insatisfação de alguns com a qualidade do serviço, o que os leva à busca pela atenção secundária, pela urgência e pela medicina privada. Conclusões: Os achados demonstram que na percepção dos idosos a implantação da Estratégia Saúde da Família foi positiva, porém a atenção primária em saúde ainda pode ser melhorada.

Number of health care teams and hospitalizations due to primary care sensitive conditions

This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the number of health care teams of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the number of hospitalizations due to primary care sensitive conditions (HPCSC) taking into account rates, costs and hospital days in a large municipality of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2010 and 2019. We performed an ecological time series correlation study on HPCSC of patients hospitalized by the public health system. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System of the IT Department of the Public Health System (DATASUS) and from the Primary Care Information and Management System. The correlation analysis was performed based on the number, gross and standardized rates, percentages, costs and hospital days of HPCSC and health care coverage (average number of teams) using Spearman's correlation coefficient at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). No satisfactory correlation was found in the entire period between the increase in the number of health care teams and HPCSC (except for the standardized hospitalization rate). However, during the period in which the FHS coverage of the population was greater than 70%, all correlations were inversely proportional and statistically significant.

Trend of hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions and related aspects in Sergipe, 2010 to 2019

Objective: To analyze the trend of hospitalization rates for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (HACSC) in Sergipe and its seven health regions between 2010 and 2019, correlating with financial investments in health and primary care, strategy coverage of family health, and the number of hospital beds. Methods: This is an ecological time-series study trend with secondary data from the Ministry of Health. The trend verification was done by segmented linear analysis and the correlation between the variables by Spearman's correlation. Results: HACSC in the state of Sergipe showed a trend towards stability. In the Nossa Senhora do Socorro region, an increasing rate trend was identified from 2010 to 2017 and a non-significant decreasing trend from 2017 to 2019, with a negative correlation with per capita investment in PHC. The Itabaiana region showed a trend of reduction in rates from 2010 to 2012, followed by a trend of growth in rates from 2012 to 2020, with no significant correlation with any of the variables. Conclusions: Monitoring HACSC rates and understanding their multifactorial influence are essential since this indicator is helpful in local situational diagnosis and contributes to planning actions.

Spatiotemporal analysis of hospital admissions for primary care-sensitive conditions in women and children in the first 1000 days of life

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of hospital admission rates for primary care-sensitive conditions (PCSC) in women and children in the first 1000 days of life in Brazil.

METHODS

Ecological study, with spatiotemporal analyses, using secondary data from Brazilian municipalities. PCSC in women, related to prenatal care and childbirth, and in children under two years old, from 2008 to 2019 were used to characterize trends and formations of spatiotemporal clusters/outliers. Crude PCSC rates were calculated and adjusted by the local empirical Bayesian method, presented in choropleth maps. We also used Anselin Local Moran I type analyses to identify spatial clusters, and space-time cube with clustering by emerging hotspot, followed by time series clustering, for analysis of spatiotemporal trends (alpha = 5%).

RESULTS

A total of 1,850,776 PCSC were registered in pregnant women, puerperae, and children under two years of age in Brazil, representing 1.7% of the total number of hospital admissions in the period. PCSC rates showed different behaviors when the groups of women and children were evaluated, with a predominant growing trend of 109% in admissions in the first group and a reduction of 34.4% in the second. The North, Northeast, and Midwest regions had larger high-risk clusters and more significant increasing trends in PCSC in the two subpopulations studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Health actions and services in primary care may be reducing hospital admissions for children, but they are not being effective in reducing hospital admissions for women for causes related to prenatal care and childbirth, especially in the North, Northeast, and Midwest of Brazil. Investments in the qualification of care over the thousand days are urgent in the country.

A broad view of pharmaceutical services in multidisciplinary teams of public Primary Healthcare Centers: a mixed methods study in a large city in Brazil

AIM

This study aims to describe how the pharmaceutical services are performed in Primary Healthcare Centers of the Brazilian Public Health System in a large city. Background: There is extensive international discussion about the role of pharmacists in health care teams, particularly in Primary Health Care (PHC). However, in Brazil, there is still no consensus on what services the pharmacist should perform in multidisciplinary teams in PHC.

METHODS

This study used mixed methods research, and it was conducted with 200 pharmacists who work in PHC Centers of the public health system in São Paulo. The study was conducted using a focus group and an online survey, and qualitative and quantitative data were obtained.

FINDINGS

The analysis of the data from the focus group showed two central themes: (i) pharmaceutical services go beyond medicines and (ii) the contributions of the pharmacist to a multidisciplinary team work in PHC. The survey explored 29 services provided by pharmacists, 7 of which were provided daily. It is important to emphasize that pharmacists do not differentiate the relevance attributed to services considered clinical from those that are managerial or more related to access to medicines. This is an opportunity to develop their teamwork skills. Hence, it is necessary to consolidate the professional identity of the pharmacist and to organize their work processes in a multidisciplinary team. PHC is a space that allows a wide development of pharmaceutical services.

Tendências temporais de internações de crianças por condições sensíveis à atenção primária em Minas Gerais, Brasil

Objetivo: analisar a tendência das internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade, no estado de Minas Gerais. Métodos: estudo ecológico de séries temporais utilizou registros do Sistema de Informação Hospitalar, período de 2008 a 2018. As análises de tendência foram realizadas pelo método de Prais-Winsten para verificar tendências: estacionárias (p > 0,05), decrescentes (p < 0,05 e coeficiente de regressão negativo) ou ascendentes (p < 0,05 e coeficiente de regressão positivo) por região de saúde e por grupo etário (até um ano e de um a quatro anos). Resultados: houve tendência decrescente de internações entre crianças no estado (variação percentual anual = -4,96%; p < 0,05), com redução de internações por gastroenterites infecciosas e complicações, pneumonias bacterianas e asma. Observou-se aumento de internações por anemia; doenças pulmonares e infecções de ouvido, nariz e garganta. Para crianças menores de um ano, foi observado que as internações por doenças preveníveis por imunização e condições sensíveis apresentaram tendência ascendente (ß=5,69 e p < 0,05), com destaque para a sífilis congênita. Conclusões: o cenário de Minas Gerais é similar ao de outros estados brasileiros, nos quais se observa redução de internação de crianças de até cinco anos, com aumento de internações por anemia, doenças pulmonares e infecção de ouvido, nariz e garganta. Ainda que existam melhorias nas práticas e políticas voltadas para a saúde da criança, os achados reforçam o planejamento de ações para o cuidado a agravos preveníveis na atenção primária.

Morbidade hospitalar de crianças menores de cinco anos em um município brasileiro de fronteira

Objetivo: descrever as causas de hospitalização de crianças menores de cinco anos e os fatores associados às internações evitáveis em município brasileiro de tríplice fronteira. Método: estudo transversal, de morbidade hospitalar, com coleta de dados em prontuários, no hospital público de referência para atendimento pediátrico em município de tríplice fronteira entre Brasil, Paraguai e Argentina, no período de maio de 2017 a abril de 2018. As hospitalizações foram classificadas em evitáveis e não evitáveis. As variáveis independentes foram: diagnóstico médico; sexo; idade; período de internação; desfecho e país de residência. Foram estimadas as razões de prevalência bruta e ajustada pelo modelo de regressão log-binomial para verificar a associação entre a variável dependente, internações evitáveis e as variáveis independentes. Resultados: ocorreram 758 hospitalizações, sendo 45,1% consideradas evitáveis. As principais causas de internação foram as doenças do aparelho respiratório (42,8%), o grupo de causas indefinidas (13,8%) e as doenças infecciosas e parasitárias (10%). As hospitalizações evitáveis estiveram associadas com a faixa etária menor de um ano, maior tempo de internação e com o desfecho alta para casa. Conclusão: as internações evitáveis foram responsáveis por quase metade das hospitalizações, em sua maioria, por doenças do aparelho respiratório, sendo associadas em menores de um ano, maior tempo de hospitalização e melhor desfecho. Esses achados sugerem a necessidade de fortalecer as ações da Atenção Primária à Saúde por meio de investimento financeiro adequado para reduzir as hospitalizações desnecessárias.

O farmacêutico na Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil: análise comparativa 2014-2017

RESUMO O farmacêutico tem importante papel nas unidades de saúde da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS). No entanto, ainda são escassos no Brasil estudos que abordem a influência do farmacêutico na rede assistencial de saúde. O artigo tem como objetivo verificar em que medida a inserção dos farmacêuticos nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) do País está associada à ampliação de aspectos estruturais das farmácias e à disponibilidade de medicamentos. Trata-se de estudo transversal, retrospectivo e analítico, que utilizou dados secundários do 2º (2014) e 3º (2017) ciclos da avaliação externa do Programa de Melhoria de Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB) e do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Os resultados mostraram importante centralização na dispensação de medicamentos ao longo do 2º e 3ºs ciclos PMAQ-AB. Em contrapartida, identificou-se melhora nos aspectos estruturais nas farmácias das UBS e incremento tanto na disponibilidade média de medicamentos como no total de UBS com disponibilidade de medicamentos ≥80%. Tais avanços foram ainda maiores na existência de farmacêutico cadastrado na UBS. Evidenciou-se a relevância do farmacêutico na APS no Sistema Único de Saúde, uma vez que sua presença potencializa tanto a disponibilidade de medicamentos como também propicia melhores condições estruturais dos serviços de farmácia da APS.

The pharmacist in the Brazilian Primary Health Care: a comparative analysis between 2014 and 2017

ABSTRACT The pharmacist play a vital role in PHC. However, studies addressing how pharmacists influence the health care network are still scarce. We aim to verify to what extent the inclusion of pharmacists in PHC Units (UBS) in the country is associated with the expanded structural aspects of pharmacies and drug availability in Brazil. This cross-sectional, retrospective, and analytical study employed secondary data from cycles 2 (2014) and 3 (2017) of the external evaluation of the Improvement of Access and Quality of Primary Care Program (PMAQ-AB) and the National Register of Health Facilities (CNES) databases. The results showed an essential centralization in drug dispensing over PMAQ-AB cycles 2 and 3. In contrast, we identified an improvement in the structural aspects of the UBS pharmaceutical services and an increase in the mean drug availability and the total UBS with drug availability ≥ 80%. Such advances were even more significant in the presence of registered pharmacists at the UBS. We conclude by stating that the presence of pharmacists in the PHC of the Unified Health System (SUS) enhances drug availability and provides better structural conditions for PHC pharmacy services.

Impact of expansion of primary care in child health: a population-based panel study in municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon

OBJECTIVES

Considering the expansion of primary care in areas of difficult access in the Brazilian territory in recent decades, the aim of this study to evaluate the effect of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) expansion on hospitalisations due to ambulatory care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) and mortality in children under 5 years of age in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon.

METHODS

A longitudinal analysis from 2008 to 2017 was conducted for data collected from the SUS's database (DATASUS) using panel regression methods to determine the association between the expansion FHS coverage, ACSC rate, under 5 mortality rate and child mortality rate in municipalities of the state of Pará.

RESULTS

There was an expansion of 40% of the population coverage of the FHS, in the same period there were 347 468.55 hospitalisations due to ASCSs of children under 5 years of age in the public health network in the state of Pará, which represented a reduction of almost 28% (p value <0001), and significant reduction of almost 57.67% in government hospital expenditures with hospitalisations between 2008 and 2017. In this period, there was also a significant decrease in the mortality rate in children under 5 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reinforce the importance of the public health protection for the child population and the positive impacts of FHS in the state of Pará, in the Brazilian Amazon. The government actions aimed at reducing regional health disparities and the effort to strengthen primary care can improve health indicators of children and be an important strategy to developing countries.

Residency training in family medicine and its impact on coordination and continuity of care: an analysis of referrals to secondary care in Rio de Janeiro

OBJECTIVE

To measure the effect that residency training in family medicine (RTFM) has on continuity and coordination of care.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study using electronic health records.

SETTING

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, public primary care system.

PARTICIPANTS

504 940 patients, 633 generalists (physicians without RTFM) and 204 family physicians (FP-doctors with 2 years of RTFM) from one health district between January 2015 and December 2018.

INTERVENTION

Two years of RTFM.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Relative risks of patients being referred to secondary care for outpatient consultations and diagnostics tests; and having a follow-up medical consultation in primary care within 3 and 6 months after being referred.

RESULTS

We examined 2 414 508 medical consultations and 284 754 referrals to secondary care. FPs were less likely to request ambulatory care services (including surgical specialties), but were more likely to request ophthalmology, physiotherapy, rehabilitationand surgical evaluations for their patients. Patients referred to secondary care by FPs were more likely to have a follow-up visit in primary care for almost every service requested. If all medical consultations were performed by FPs, a 37.6% (95% CI 32.4% to 42.4%) increased demand for rehabilitation services would be noticed. Oppositely, 1532 (95% CI 1458 to 1602) fewer requests for dermatology would happen every year.

CONCLUSIONS

RTFM improves coordination and continuity of care by making FPs more competent to retain those health conditions that can be properly managed in primary care and making FPs more competent to detect health conditions that require specific biomedical technologies and skills, increasing the demand for those services. Besides, it increases the chances of patients having follow-up visits in primary care. Policy-makers in low-income and middle-income countries must consider investing in RTFM to make primary care systems more comprehensive, with better coordination and continuity of care.

Assessment of the Association between the Brazilian Family Health Strategy and Adult Mortality

This study aimed to analyse a wide range of related health problems that respond favourably to efficient primary care treatment among adults. We evaluate the direct association of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in Brazil on mortality of adults aged 25–64 years related to conditions for which access to effective primary care can reduce the likelihood of more severe outcomes. Additionally, we discussed heterogeneous effects associated with different intensities of the programme. To address these issues, we estimated a model with variation at the municipal level of the ESF expansion, including municipal-fixed effects, municipal specific trends and year-fixed effects. Our results show that a higher intensity of ESF is associated with reduced mortality by all conditions sensitive to primary care and for some diseases, especially after some years: avoidable conditions, asthma, heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases and gastrointestinal ulcer, infectious gastroenteritis and complications, diseases of the lower airways, hypertension, and diabetes.. As a public policy view, these results help understand how a nationwide primary care strategy can help mitigate mortality and emphasise the role of having sufficient health teams to attend to the population.

Elaboration and Content Validity of an instrument on the activities of Community Health Workers

Abstract Objective to develop and validate the content and appearance of an instrument to identify activities performed by community health workers in Family Health Strategy. Method this is a methodological study composed of three stages: the first was the elaboration of the instrument based on a literature review, the second consisted of content validity by ten expert judges, and the third by apparent validity by the target population. For analysis, the content validity index was calculated. Results Initially, the instrument consisted of 45 items arranged in ten dimensions. The experts analyzed and suggested modification of terms and addition and dismemberment of items. All suggestions were accepted, and the final version of the instrument consisted of 60 items. The content validity index was ≥ 0.90 for all items. The instrument covered the activities recommended by ministerial regulations and activities that are outside the scope of action, but which are present in the practice of the community health workers. Conclusion and implications for practice The instrument presented satisfactory validity and reflected the reality of the community health workers, and its items are composed of the wide range of activities developed by these professionals.

Elaboração e Validação de Conteúdo de um instrumento sobre as atividades dos Agentes Comunitários de Saúde

Resumo Objetivo elaborar e conduzir a validação de conteúdo e de aparência de um instrumento para identificação das atividades desempenhadas pelos agentes comunitários de saúde na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método trata-se de um estudo metodológico composto por três etapas: a primeira foi a elaboração do instrumento a partir da revisão de literatura; a segunda foi constituída pela validação de conteúdo por 10 juízes experts; e a terceira pela validação aparente pela população-alvo. Para a análise, calculou-se o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. Resultados inicialmente, o instrumento foi composto por 45 itens dispostos em 10 dimensões. Os especialistas analisaram e sugeriram a modificação de termos e o acréscimo e o desmembramento de itens. Todas as sugestões foram acolhidas e a versão final do instrumento foi composta por 60 itens. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo foi ≥ 0,90 para todos os itens. O instrumento abrangeu as atividades preconizadas pelas normativas ministeriais e pelas atribuições que fogem do escopo de atuação, mas que estão presentes na prática dos profissionais. Conclusão e implicações para a prática o instrumento apresentou validade satisfatória e refletiu a realidade do trabalho dos agentes comunitários de saúde, sendo seus itens compostos pela ampla gama de atividades desenvolvidas por esses profissionais.

Estresse ocupacional e sintomas osteomusculares em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde

Resumo Introdução Os Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS) trabalham em condições de riscos ocupacionais e sobrecarga que podem causar adoecimento. Objetivos Avaliar a presença de estresse ocupacional e sintomas osteomusculares em Agentes Comunitários de Saúde e comparar os níveis de estresse ocupacional, segundo as características sociodemográficas. Método Estudo transversal, realizado em 2017, em um município do interior paulista. Foram utilizadas a Escala de Estresse no Trabalho e o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares. Resultados Participaram 44 ACS, sendo 70,5% do sexo feminino, 47,7% com 40 anos ou mais, 79,5% não exerciam outra atividade remunerada e 50,0% tinham de três a 10 anos de atuação profissional. Vinte e um (47,7%) profissionais apresentaram níveis importantes de estresse ocupacional (>2,5). Os principais fatores estressores foram: deficiência na divulgação de informações sobre decisões organizacionais (3,3;±1,1); deficiência nos treinamentos (3,4;±1,6); pouca valorização (3,2;±1,4); poucas perspectivas de crescimento na carreira (3,2;±1,6); discriminação/favoritismo no ambiente de trabalho (3,1;±1,5); falta de compreensão sobre as responsabilidades no trabalho (3,0;±1,5); tipo de controle (2,9;±1,1); forma como as tarefas são distribuídas (2,8;±1,4); realizar tarefas que estão além da capacidade (2,8;±1,2); falta de autonomia na execução do trabalho (2,7;±1,3); receber ordens contraditórias do superior (2,7;±1,4); tempo insuficiente para realizar o trabalho (2,7;±1,3). No último ano, 65,9% dos ACS referiram dor osteomuscular nas regiões lombar, 61,4% no pescoço, 47,7% nos ombros e 43,2% nos joelhos. Conclusão O estresse ocupacional e os sintomas osteomusculares são problemas presentes na prática laboral dos ACS, evidenciando que as organizações precisam incrementar recursos laborais para prevenir riscos psicossociais e amplificar a qualidade do trabalho destes profissionais.

Number of health care teams and hospitalizations due to primary care sensitive conditions

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the correlation between the number of health care teams of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) and the number of hospitalizations due to primary care sensitive conditions (HPCSC) taking into account rates, costs and hospital days in a large municipality of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2010 and 2019. We performed an ecological time series correlation study on HPCSC of patients hospitalized by the public health system. Data were obtained from the Hospital Information System of the IT Department of the Public Health System (DATASUS) and from the Primary Care Information and Management System. The correlation analysis was performed based on the number, gross and standardized rates, percentages, costs and hospital days of HPCSC and health care coverage (average number of teams) using Spearman’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). No satisfactory correlation was found in the entire period between the increase in the number of health care teams and HPCSC (except for the standardized hospitalization rate). However, during the period in which the FHS coverage of the population was greater than 70%, all correlations were inversely proportional and statistically significant.

Inequalities in the prevalence of major depressive disorder in Brazilian slum populations: a cross-sectional analysis

AIMS

The mental health of slum residents is under-researched globally, and depression is a significant source of worldwide morbidity. Brazil's large slum-dwelling population is often considered part of a general urban-poor demographic. This study aims to identify the prevalence and distribution of depression in Brazil and compare mental health inequalities between slum and non-slum populations.

METHODS

Data were obtained from Brazil's 2019 National Health Survey. Slum residence was defined based on the UN-Habitat definition for slums and estimated from survey responses. Doctor-diagnosed depression, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)-screened depression and presence of undiagnosed depression (PHQ-9-screened depression in the absence of a doctor's diagnosis) were analysed as primary outcomes, alongside depressive symptom severity as a secondary outcome. Prevalence estimates for all outcomes were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of socioeconomic characteristics, including slum residence, with primary outcomes. Depressive symptom severity was analysed using generalised ordinal logistic regression.

RESULTS

Nationally, the prevalence of doctor diagnosed, PHQ-9 screened and undiagnosed depression were 9.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.5-10.3), 10.8% (95% CI: 10.4-11.2) and 6.9% (95% CI: 6.6-7.2), respectively. Slum residents exhibited lower levels of doctor-diagnosed depression than non-slum urban residents (8.6%; 95% CI: 7.9-9.3 v. 10.7%; 95% CI: 10.2-11.2), while reporting similar levels of PHQ-9-screened depression (11.3%; 95% CI: 10.4-12.1 v. 11.3%; 95% CI: 10.8-11.8). In adjusted regression models, slum residence was associated with a lower likelihood of doctor diagnosed (adjusted odds ratio (adjusted OR): 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77-0.97) and PHQ-9-screened depression (adjusted OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78-0.97). Slum residents showed a greater likelihood of reporting less severe depressive symptoms. There were significant ethnic/racial disparities in the likelihood of reporting doctor-diagnosed depression. Black individuals were less likely to report doctor-diagnosed depression (adjusted OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.57-0.75) than white individuals. A similar pattern was observed in Mixed Black (adjusted OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.66-0.79) and other (adjusted OR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.45-0.88) ethnic/racial groups. Slum residents self-reporting a diagnosis of one or more chronic non-communicable diseases had greater odds of exhibiting all three primary depression outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial inequalities characterise the distribution of depression in Brazil including in slum settings. People living in slums may have lower diagnosed rates of depression than non-slum urban residents. Understanding the mechanisms behind the discrepancy in depression diagnosis between slum and non-slum populations is important to inform health policy in Brazil, including in addressing potential gaps in access to mental healthcare.

The scope of practice of primary health care physicians in rural and urban areas in Brazil

This study aimed to identify differences in the scope of practice of primary care physicians and find the main factors associated with expanded practice in rural and urban areas of Brazil. Data from an online survey with 2,277 primary care physicians, conducted between January and March 2016, were used. Differences regarding activities and procedures performed by physicians per area were verified using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's post hoc and chi-square tests. Multivariate linear regression analyses were done using a bootstrap technique to identify the main factors associated with an expanded scope of practice. Regardless of the location, the results showed that the practices of the primary care physicians are below their competences. Rural physicians performed a higher number of procedures and activities compared with their peers from intermediate and urban municipalities. Within the overall sample, the variables related to a broader scope of practice included: male gender, work in rural municipalities, participation in training and continuing education programs and consultation of clinical protocols, articles and books. This study contributes with evidence that the medical scope of practice varies according to location. Recognizing and understanding the differences and associated factors for an expanded scope of practice is necessary to determine the skills and resources required for practice in rural and urban areas, collaborating in proposals of strategies to improve quality and access of health care services.

Use of Health Services and Family Health Strategy Households Population Coverage in Brazil

The objective of this study is to describe the profile of use of primary health care services, estimated by the PNS, of the population living in households registered and not registered with the Famly Health Strategy - FHS, in the years 2013 and 2019. Cross-sectional study carried out using microdata from national health surveys 2013 and 2019. The sample originated from a master sample, consisting of a set of units from selected areas in a register..The variables sex, age, skin color, income, education, self-perceived health, home registered with the FHS, medical care in the last year, type of service you seek when you are ill were selected. The dependent variables were use of health services and use of public health services. The dependent and independent variables were described with the respective confidence interval and adjusted logistic regression was performed for each outcome analyzed. In public health services, lower income, have chronic diseases (arterial hypertension or high cholesterol), be pregnant, and having a bad self-perception of health were associated with used more health services in both periods. Living in registered households was associated with more used health services (public or private). The family health strategy is an important strategy for expanding access equally.

COVID-19 in Brazilian cities: Impact of social determinants, coverage and quality of primary health care

Background

Brazil, as many other countries, have been heavily affected by COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the impact of Primary health care and the family health strategy (FHS) coverage, the scores of the National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ), and socioeconomic and social indicators in the number of COVID-19 cases in Brazilian largest cities.

Methods

This is an ecological study, carried out through the analysis of secondary data on the population of all Brazilian main cities, based on the analysis of a 26-week epidemiological epidemic week series by COVID-19. Statistical analysis was performed using Generalized Linear Models with an Autoregressive work correlation matrix.

Results

It was shown that greater PHC coverage and greater FHS coverage together with an above average PMAQ score are associated with slower dissemination and lower burden of COVID-19.

Conclusion

It is evident that cities with less social inequality and restrictions of social protection combined with social development have a milder pandemic scenario. It is necessary to act quickly on these conditions for COVID-19 dissemination by timely actions with high capillarity. Expanding access to PHC and social support strategies for the vulnerable are essential.

Circadian preference and its relationship with possible sleep and awake bruxism in adults assisted by the public health system

Modern lifestyle and social demands induce changes in sleep routines that may not meet individual circadian preferences (chronotype). Such changes may be associated with the development of unhealthy lifestyles and the emergence of diseases relevant to public health services, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, as well as sleep bruxism (SB) and awake bruxism (AB). The present study aimed to assess the relationship between the evening, morning or intermediate chronotypes with the report of possible SB and AB in adult individuals assisted by the Family Health Strategy (FHS). The selection of participants was performed through probabilistic cluster analysis. The sample size (n = 384) was calculated to include a representative sample of the 52,628 adults registered in the FHS of a countryside city located in the Southeast Region of Brazil. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) was used to determine the chronotype, and Questionnaire-Based Self-Reported Bruxism was used for identifying possible SB and AB. The following clinical and social-behavioral variables were also evaluated: age, sex, BMI, income, physical activity, schooling, alcohol consumption and smoking, chronic diseases and depression. Two logistic regression models were used: one for SB and one for AB. Possible SB was associated with female sex, lack of physical activity and income above 2 minimum wages. Regarding chronotype, a 19% reduction in the chance of possible SB was observed in morning individuals compared to evening individuals (p = .017). Possible AB was associated with younger individuals, smoking and depression. In conclusion, compared with the evening circadian preference, the morning circadian preference was associated with greater protection against possible SB in an adult population assisted by the FHS.

Erro diagnóstico subsidia pacote de reformas que mina a Estratégia Saúde da Família

RESUMO Este ensaio aborda o diagnóstico desfavorável à Estratégia Saúde da Família, que subsidiou um pacote de reformas implantado pelo Ministério da Saúde em 2019. Com o objetivo de revisar tal diagnóstico sob a hipótese de erro na sua formulação, foi realizada análise documental do acervo do governo federal sobre o tema. A hipótese inicial foi confirmada com respaldo em bibliografia pertinente, referenciada no texto. Evidenciaram-se erros técnicos na avaliação da eficiência e produtividade da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Também foram detectados erros no campo histórico especialmente quanto à desconsideração dos resultados positivos alcançados no âmbito dos cuidados primários, das políticas de incentivo implantadas com tal propósito e das características inerentes aos desafios de um processo ainda inconcluso de reforma sanitária - questão invisível naquele diagnóstico. Como conclusão, este ensaio refuta o diagnóstico do Ministério da Saúde e recomenda que o processo de avaliação da Estratégia Saúde da Família seja refeito à luz dos princípios do planejamento estratégico-situacional.

Expenses of hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Health Regional Offices of the State of São Paulo

Objective:

To analyze the expenses of hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Health Regional Offices of the State of São Paulo.

Methods:

An ecological, retrospective cohort, with analysis of hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the state of São Paulo, from 2014 to 2018, compiled by the Hospital Information System. Data were extracted using the Tabwin application and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

There was a 14.49% reduction in the amount spent on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. There were reductions in the frequency of hospitalizations (−1.26) and hospital stay (−0.54), and an increase in the occurrence of deaths (8.02). The Regional Offices of Barretos, Taubaté and Araraquara showed an increase in expenses in the period, by 37.86%, 15.38% and 3.78%, respectively, while all other Regional Offices showed a reduction; in that, the most significant were in Bauru (−31.90%), São João da Boa Vista (−26.18%), Presidente Prudente (−21.00%) and São Paulo (−19.17%). The value of hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions showed a strong and positive correlation with the variables frequency and hospital stay.

Conclusion:

The results pointed to a difference in the amounts spent on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Regional Offices, although there was no difference in the frequency and duration of these hospitalizations. The expansion of Primary Health Care resources is a possible element for reducing the frequency and spending on hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions; nonetheless, it is necessary to consider other factors, such as social determinants and the organization of health services.

Quality of life of Family Health Strategy professionals: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Individuals' quality of working life and motivation are directly related to their satisfaction and wellbeing. Although studies on the quality of life of family health workers have been conducted, there are none correlating these professionals' wellbeing with this work model.

OBJECTIVE

To review the scientific literature in order to identify the levels of quality of life, in their dimensions, of Family Health Strategy workers.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Systematic review of observational studies developed through a partnership between two postgraduate schools (Piracicaba and Uberlândia).

METHODS

The review followed the PRISMA recommendations and was registered in the PROSPERO database. Ten databases were used, including the "grey literature". Two evaluators selected the eligible studies, collected the data and assessed the risk of biases, independently. The JBI tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A complementary statistical analysis was conducted on the means and standard deviations of the results from the WHOQOL-100 and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires.

RESULTS

The initial search presented 1,744 results, from which eight were included in the qualitative analysis. The studies were published between 2007 and 2018. The total sample included 1,358 answered questionnaires. All the studies presented low risk of bias. The complementary analysis showed that the environmental factor (mean score 56.12 ± 2.33) had the most influence on the quality of life of community health workers, while physical health (mean score 14.29 ± 0.21) had the most influence on graduate professionals.

CONCLUSION

Professionals working within the Family Health Strategy had dimensions of quality of life that varied according to their professional category.

Health insurance coverage in Brazil: analyzing data from the National Health Survey, 2013 and 2019

This paper aimed to describe health insurance coverage in Brazil. Data from the 2013 and 2019 editions of the National Health Survey (PNS) were analyzed. The medical or dental health insurance coverage was analyzed according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, work status, urban/rural area, and Federation Unit. Coverage of medical or dental health insurance was 27.9% (95% CI: 27.1-28.8) for 2013 and 28.5% (95% CI: 27.8-29.2) for 2019. The results show coverage is still concentrated in large urban centers, in the Southeast and South, among those with better socioeconomic status and some formal employment. In 2019, only 30.7% of formal workers reported the monthly payment is made directly to the providers, while 72.7% of informal workers reported this information. About 92% of medical health insurance covers hospitalization, and almost 20% of women with health insurance are not covered for labor. Only 11.7% of women aged between 15 and 44 are covered for childbirth by health insurance. The results show the health insurance coverage is still quite unequal, reinforcing the Unified Health System (SUS) importance for the Brazilian population.

Direct cost of systemic arterial hypertension and its complications in the circulatory system from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system in 2019

INTRODUCTION

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), a global public health problem and the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has a significant financial impact on health systems. In Brazil, the prevalence of SAH is 23.7%, which caused 203,000 deaths and 3.9 million DALYs in 2015.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the cost of SAH and circulatory system diseases attributable to SAH from the perspective of the Brazilian public health system in 2019.

METHODS

A prevalence-based cost-of-illness was conducted using a top-down approach. The population attributable risk (PAR) was used to estimate the proportion of circulatory system diseases attributable to SAH. The direct medical costs were obtained from official Ministry of Health of Brazil records and literature parameters, including the three levels of care (primary, secondary, and tertiary). Deterministic univariate analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

The total cost of SAH and the proportion of circulatory system diseases attributable to SAH was Int$ 581,135,374.73, varying between Int$ 501,553,022.21 and Int$ 776,183,338.06. In terms only of SAH costs at all healthcare levels (Int$ 493,776,445.89), 97.3% were incurred in primary care, especially for antihypertensive drugs provided free of charge by the Brazilian public health system (Int$ 363,888,540.14). Stroke accounted for the highest cost attributable to SAH and the third highest PAR, representing 47% of the total cost of circulatory diseases attributable to SAH. Prevalence was the parameter that most affected sensitivity analyses, accounting for 36% of all the cost variation.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the main Brazilian strategy to combat SAH was implemented in primary care, namely access to free antihypertensive drugs and multiprofessional teams, acting jointly to promote care and prevent and control SAH.

Desempenho dos serviços de saúde do SUS de uma macrorregião do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho dos serviços de saúde de uma macrorregião do estado de Pernambuco. A pesquisa foi realizada utilizando dados do Projeto de Avaliação do Desempenho do Sistema de Saúde nas dimensões efetividade, acesso, adequação e aceitabilidade. O período de análise foi de 2008 a 2017. O julgamento foi realizado a partir da tendência esperada dos indicadores. Classificou-se o desempenho em: excelente (=75%), satisfatório (50%-74,9%), insatisfatório (49%-25%) e crítico (<25%). O desempenho foi insatisfatório nas dimensões efetividade (41,7%) e acesso (46%), e excelente nas dimensões adequação (76,2%) e aceitabilidade (100%). Entre os indicadores que contribuíram para o baixo desempenho nas primeiras dimensões, destacam-se: internações por pneumonia, incidência da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, sífilis congênita, vacinação em crianças menores de um ano com tetravalente/pentavalente e procedimentos de alta complexidade. A classificação final revelou resultado satisfatório (52,4%) na Macrorregião de Saúde. Diante dos resultados, torna-se necessária a observação individual dos indicadores, visando ao planejamento de ações que promovam uma melhora nesse panorama. Esta pesquisa contribuiu para uma ampliação da avaliação de desempenho, divulgando a potencialidade do Projeto de Avaliação do Desempenho do Sistema de Saúde para o monitoramento e a análise do sistema de saúde.

[Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterization of healthcare gaps based on triangulation of studies]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is among the leading causes of loss of healthy years of life, which is aggravated in Brazil by accelerated population aging. This study aims to measure the problem of diabetes mellitus and its complications and characterize healthcare for diabetics in Brazil, according to regions. Prevalence rates were estimated using a multinomial regression model, and characterization of healthcare was based on triangulation between the Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS), the National Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB), and data from the Popular Pharmacy program. Diabetes prevalence in Brazil was 9.2%, according to the multinomial model, and prevalence in the corrected PNS (self-report + altered glycated hemoglobin - HbA1c ≥ 6.5) was 9.4%. The proportion of diabetes mellitus underreporting in the country was 42.5%, reaching 72.8% in the North. Among individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, half presented HbA1c ≥ 6.5. Insufficient fundus eye examination (only 40% on average), with major regional variation (North 25% - Southeast 52%), is reflected in the high prevalence of retinopathy. Insufficient examination of feet (only 30%), can lead to more amputations. About 80% of diabetics used medications, indicating a persistently high proportion still without treatment. Healthcare deficiencies for diabetics lead to greater morbidity, hospitalizations (15%), and visits to emergency departments (27%, PMAQ). The scenario in 2012, although not ideal, occurred in a context of strengthening of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and cutbacks in public health budgeting call for serious reflection on control of the disease in the coming years.