Health demands of young Brazilians: profile and manifestations of the population aged 15 to 29 years to the SUS General Ombudsman (2014-2018)

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the profile and the main demands presented by young people (15 to 29 years old) to the Unified Health System (SUS) General Ombudsman of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. The databases ‘manifestations’ and ‘citizen profile’ of the System were extracted from the OuvidorSUS computerized system, referring to the years 2014 to 2018. The data were analyzed according to the service channels, classification, and typification. The profile was disaggregated by age, race/color, gender, sexual orientation, education, occupation, and income. 114,618 manifestations were registered with the citizen’s profile, with 15.17% being by people from 15 to 29 years old. Blacks (including pardos), women, heterosexuals, with completed or ongoing higher education, income of up to 2 minimum wages, and employed in the private sector prevailed. Most of the manifestations were ‘requests’, followed by ‘complaints’ and ‘denunciations’. Most requests were for consultations and surgeries, in the areas of gynecology and obstetrics, and orthopedics and traumatology. Complaints and denunciations were largely related to management, especially to health professionals and establishments. The suggestions were the least frequent. The demands largely reflect the services used by young people and should be considered by managers to guide health policies appropriate to this population.