Family Health Strategy Coverage in Brazil, according to the National Health Survey, 2013

Abstract

Objective  to present Family Health Strategy (ESF) coverage according to the National Health Survey (PNS), comparing to administrative data and previous coverage of the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2008), and describe the frequencies of home visiting teams.

Methods  it was compared data from 2013 according to PNS and data from the Ministry of Health and the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD 2008). Home visiting indicators of PNS were stratified by education and Major Regions.

Results  the proportion of households registered in Family Health Teams in Brazil was 53.4% (95%CI: 52.1-54.6), being higher in rural areas and in the Northeast. The proportion of residents in registered households was 56.2%, similar to the Ministry of Health (56.4%) and showed growth compared to PNAD 2008 (50.9%). There was variation between regions, UF and capitals. People with lower education level have received more home visiting monthly.

Discussion  the ESF is an important promoter of health equity and its coverage and scope increase is successful in the country.

Health surveys; Family Health Strategy; Primary Health Care; Health services coverage; Unified Health System