Prevalence of having a regular doctor, associated factors, and the effect on health services utilization: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

• Autor(a) principal: Mendoza-Sassi, Raúl Andrés
• Data de Publicação: 2003
• Outros Autores: Béria, Jorge Umberto
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Institucional da FURG (RI FURG)
• Texto Completo: http://repositorio.furg.br/handle/1/2644; http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2003000500004
• topic: Health services accessibility; Continuity of patient care; Regular doctor; Acessibilidade aos serviços de saúde; Continuidade de assistência ao paciente; Médico de referência

In order to assess the prevalence of having a regular doctor, associated factors, and the effects on health services utilization, a cross-sectional study was performed in Rio Grande, Brazil, from January to May 2000. A total of 1,260 individuals 15 years or over were interviewed. Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, using a Poisson regression model. Some 37% of the sample had a regular doctor. Adjusted analysis revealed a direct and linear association with income. Female gender, age, private health insurance coverage, and chronic health problems were also associated with the outcome. Having a regular physician was associated with a 51% increase in clinical breast examination and a 62% increase in cervical cancer screening during the previous year, as well as a 98% increase in prostate cancer screening in the previous year in men 40 years or over. The study concluded that the prevalence of having a regular doctor in Brazil is low and is directly associated with socioeconomic factors. Individuals with a regular physician tend to have better access to health services. The promotion of consultation with a regular doctor among the population may improve health care quality and health services access, particularly in the poorest groups.