Socioeconomic inequalities in the access to health services: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to measure socioeconomic inequalities regarding access to health services, contact with health professionals, and specific health interventions. 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. 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. We observed low coverage levels of access to health services and professionals in addition to marked socioeconomic inequalities.

High prevalence of zero-dose children in underserved and special setting populations in Ethiopia using a generalize estimating equation and concentration index analysis

“…On the other hand, female-headed households as well as those who are employed mothers/caregivers are less likely to vaccinate their children (53,54,55) Our results showed that children born to less-and medium-gender empowered women for decision making at the household level are over 1.63 and 1.71 times more likely to belong to the zero-dose category, respectively, compared to those born to women with a high level of empowerment/decisionmaking power in the social independence domain. Our ndings are consistent with the existing literature and reported that in low-and middle-income countries, women's empowerment improved child health and children of more empowered women are less likely to be left without vaccination (53).…”

A geospatial analysis of inequality indicators related to COVID-19 in Brazil

“…The different commitments around sociodemographic, educational, structural and health services in general, show great inequalities present in the country. In this light, it is worth noting that universality is one of the fundamental principles of the SUS and determines that access to health actions and services must be guaranteed to all people, without discrimination 20 . It is necessary having local media and health teams themselves implementing and reinforcing public policies that promote greater and continuously population adherence to containment measures, such as the practice of social distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene.…”

Investigating the access barriers to oral and dental health services for children from the perspective of parents attending the health centers of Kerman

“…Therefore, access is defined as the freedom to make use of services. [ 15 ] However, access to health care is a complex concept and needs to be addressed in at least four dimensions, including geographical access, usability, financial access, and acceptability. [ 16 ] Access to oral health care is usually limited in developing countries, and the health services for children are influenced by a variety of factors related to the patients and the service providers, some of which are, economic status, insurance coverage, availability of the clinics providing dental services covered by insurance, fear of dentistry, regular dental visits, and transportation problems.…”