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

Abstract

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.