[Health services utilization in areas covered by the family health program (Qualis) in Sao Paulo City, Brazil].
OBJECTIVE
The Family Health Program (FHP) is a strategy for reorganizing the healthcare attendance system within the Brazilian National Health System. The objective of the study was to assess whether there had been changes in the utilization profile of the healthcare services following implementation of the program, and to identify factors associated with any changes observed.


METHODS
Data on service utilization and demand for attendance were analyzed by means of two cluster-based population samples, representing areas covered (n=1865) and not covered (n=2036) by the FHP, in two districts of the municipality of Sao Paulo. The data formed part of a population survey carried out in 2001. Statistical methods for cluster analysis were used.


RESULTS
In the area covered by the FHP, no statistically different prevalence ratios (PR) according to schooling and income levels were observed for service utilization. In the area not covered by the FHP, service utilization was positively associated with greater schooling and income. Among individuals with illnesses, the demand for attendance in the area covered by the FHP was higher (higher PR) among those with severe physical limitations. In the area not covered, the PR was higher among those with greater schooling and lower among those who were inactive (unemployed or retired).


CONCLUSIONS
In the areas studied, for the population covered by the FHP, income and schooling levels did not constitute factors that significantly differentiated the utilization profile of the healthcare services and the demand for attendance. This indicates that the program may be contributing towards greater equity under these conditions.
Goldbaum
Moisés
M
Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade Saúde Pública, USP, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455 2o andar, 01246-903 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. mgoldbau@usp.br
Gianini
Reinaldo José
RJ
Novaes
Hillegonda Maria Dutilh
HM
César
Chester Luiz Galvão
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires