OBJECTIVE: To evaluate coverage by the Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program, according to its minimal requirements and process indicators, by comparing information from prenatal booklets to SISPRENATAL (System to Accompany the Prenatal and Birth Humanization Program). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with prenatal data from 1,489 women in the postpartum period after birth in the Brazilian Unified Health System, between November 2008 to October 2009 in São Carlos municipality, Southeastern Brazil. Data were collected from the prenatal booklet […]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the therapeutic practice of allopathic physicians and to evaluate the outpatient care provided to patients in healthcare facilities. METHODS: The study was conducted in Ribeirão Preto, southeastern Brazil. World Health Organization drug use indicators were used as a methodological basis. Our sample comprised 10 healthcare facilities, with 6,692 prescriptions written by clinicians and pediatricians for the analysis of prescription indicators and 30 patients of each facility for the analysis of patient care indicators. The number of facilities […]

Immunization coverage was evaluated in all 12-23 month-old children living in the area were five years before a Primary Care Practice had been set up. All children were investigated through home visits, checking of the immunization chart and relying on mothers’ information. In 1986, a baseline study had identified an immunization coverage of under 60% for each of the scheduled vaccines. The current study confirmed that coverage was of 87% for three doses of DTP, 89% for Sabin, 88% for […]

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of the mental health policy in the health centers of Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, is analysed. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The methodology used consisted of a descriptive epidemiological study of a sample of 150 patients, discharged from a psychiatric hospital, and referred to health centers for continuing treatment. During the 4 months following discharge the attendance of the patients at these centers and return visits into hospital were verified. RESULTS: The results showed that 48.6% of the patients discharged […]

OBJECTIVE: An assessment of the evolution of the profile of mortality from avoidable diseases, in the municipality of Maringá, PR (Brazil), 1980 through 1993, as related to the quality of health attendance. METHODS: Based on the proposal to study caregiving results, eleven causes of avoidable deaths were selected. The evolution of resources available, level of schooling and sanitation were associated with the evolution of mortality. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The data revealed that the mortality rates for most of the avoidable […]