Utilização dos serviços de saúde em comunidades quilombolas do estado do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The knowledge about the use of health services is considered an important tool for planning and evaluation of public policies, allowing the identification of priority populations to health care. However, some populations are disadvantaged in this context are included quilombo communities generally linked to rural jobs or subsistence farming, living in areas of difficult access and unfavorable living conditions. Nevertheless, there are few data found on the use of health services in maroon communities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to verify the use of health services was held this cross-population-based study conducted in 22 quilombolas communities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2011. Data were obtained through interviews with heads of household, using standardized questionnaires and pre-tested. To estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted gross and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used Poisson regression model. The results were observed that most lived in quilombos considered rural, were female, black / brown color, had a low educational level (up to 04 years) and had per capita income up to R $ 280.00. As the prevalence of morbidity had a high rate of excess weight and hypertension, as well as minor psychiatric disorders. Regarding the outcome, it was observed that 84% people had visited a doctor in the previous 12 months the interview. As for the associated factors it was found that women, people over 50 and with a partner (a) most consulted health services. Thus, the findings of this study indicated a high utilization of health services by quilombolas communities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The main factors associated with the use of health services, such as being female, older individuals who lived with a partner, they are similar to those indicated in the scientific literature, in other communities or populations. However, one must consider the low levels of socio-economic conditions and the high prevalence of comorbidities, which reinforce the importance of effective public policies aimed at improving the living conditions of these populations.