CHRONIC NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG FAMILY HEALTH UNIT USERS - PREVALENCE, DEMOGRAPHICS, USE OF HEALTH SERVICES AND CLINICAL NEEDS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD) among adults and elderly users of the Family Health Units (FHU) in São Carlos/SP and identify the demographics, use of health services and clinical needs of these users. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in 16 FHU in São Carlos/SP, including 2,407 families and 8,844 individuals. The NCD prevalence data were analyzed for the adult population (above 18 years; n=5,690). Demographic variables were analyzed for the groups with NCD and control. The data were analyzed descriptively and by the Chi-square test of association in SPSS program, with a 5% significance level. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of NCD was approximately 35% (95% CI=33.4 to 35.9%), being higher in the elderly, women, individuals with lower education, widowed and retired/off work. There was no association between smoking and NCD. The most used health service was the FHU in both groups. Individuals with NCD used most frequently the Emergency Unit, Basic Health Unit and Center for Medical Specialties. Conclusions: The results showed that the prevalence of NCD is high among the adults and elderly evaluated in this study, and that the Brazilian Public Health System is the basis for treatment/follow-up of these individuals. Based on our data, planning actions aimed at prevention and control of NCD can be performed in the context of Primary Health Care in this municipality. DESCRIPTORS Unified Health System. Family Health. Epidemiology. Prevention. Systemic Arterial Hypertension. Diabetes.