Author:

• Andrea Wendt - Wendt, A. - <andreatwendt@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4640-2254

Co-author(s):

• Luana Patrícia Marmitt - Marmitt, L. P. - <luanamarmitt@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0526-7954
• Bruno P. Nunes - Nunes, B. P. - <nunesbp@gmail.com>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4496-4122
• Samuel Carvalho Dumith - Dumith, S.C. - <scdumith@yahoo.com.br>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5994-735X
• Inácio Crochemore-Silva - Crochemore-Silva, I. - <inacio_cms@yahoo.com.br>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5390-8360

Abstract:

Aim: To measure socioeconomic inequalities regarding access to health services, contact with health professionals, and specific health interventions.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional population-based study with individuals aged 18 years or older, living in the city of Rio Grande. The outcomes were the following: Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage; having a health insurance plan; receiving a visit of a community health worker; medical consultation; dental consultation; dietary counseling; having a class with a physical education professional; flu vaccination; mammography, cytopathological and prostate exams. Relative and absolute measures were used to assess inequalities in the distribution of the outcomes.
Results: There was a response rate of 91% (1,300 adults were interviewed). Coverage indicators ranged from 16.1%, for having a class with a physical education professional, to 80.0% for medical consultation. FHS coverage and visit of a community health agent presented higher proportions among the poorest while outcomes regarding contact with health professionals, screening exams and flu vaccine were more prevalent among richest group.
Conclusion: We observed low coverage levels of access to health services and professionals in addition to marked socioeconomic inequalities.

Keywords:

Health Services; Health inequalities; Socio-economic

Content:

Access Issue in Scielo

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