title: Awareness of the healthcare system and rights to healthcare in the Colombian population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze changes in users' awareness of the healthcare system and of their rights to healthcare in Colombia in the last 10 years, as well as the factors that influence users' awareness.
  
  
  METHODS
  We carried out a descriptive study to compare the results of two cross-sectional studies based on two surveys of users of the Colombian healthcare system. The first survey was performed in 2000 and the second in 2010. The municipalities of Tuluá (urban area) and Palmira (rural area) were surveyed. In both surveys, a stratified, multistage probability sample was selected. There were 1497 users in the first sample and 1405 in the second. Changes in awareness of the healthcare system and associated factors in each year were assessed through multivariate logistic regressions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Users' awareness of the healthcare system was limited in 2000 and was significantly lower in 2010, except for that relating to health insurers and providers. In contrast, more than 90% of users in both surveys perceived themselves as having healthcare rights. The factors consistently associated with greater awareness were belonging to a high socioeconomic stratum and having higher education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The most underprivileged users were less likely to be aware of the healthcare system, hampering their ability to make informed decisions and to exercise their health rights. To correct this situation, health institutions and the government should act decisively to reduce social inequalities.
authors: Institute of Psychology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle, Colombia. maria.delgado@correounivalle.edu.co
authors: María Eugenia
authors: ME
authors: Delgado Gallego
authors: María Luisa
authors: ML
authors: Vázquez-Navarrete
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003105:Colombia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: América Latina; Awareness; Colombia; Conocimiento; Derecho a los servicios de salud; Determinantes sociales; Health policy; Healthcare rights; Healthcare systems; Latin America; Política de salud; Sistemas de salud; Social determinants; Users’ survey