THE INTERFACE BETWEEN INFECTIOUS AND PARASITIC DISEASES AND THE FAMILY HEALTHCARE PROGRAM IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the evolution of hospitalizations and deaths due to infectious and parasitic diseases (IPDs) and the Family Healthcare Program (FHP) coverage in Brazil, from 2006 to 2015. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive study using secondary data regarding hospitalizations and deaths by IPDs and the FHP coverage. The data were transformed into indicators (rate per 100,000 inhabitants and ratio of proportions) and aggregates in the greater regions of the country. Results: Brazil showed a growing trend in relation to the FHP coverage, which reached coverage of 61% in 2015. In relation to the rate of hospitalizations due to IPDs/100,000 inhabitants from 2010 to 2015, the country presented a reduction of 161.1 hospitalizations. As for the death rate due to IPDs/100,000 inhabitants, there was an increase of 2 deaths in the rate of the country when the last and the first years of the historical series were compared. Regarding the mean ratio (proportion of deaths due to IPDs/proportion of hospitalizations due to IPDs) from 2011 to 2015, 57% of hospitalizations for this group of diseases generate deaths. Conclusion: There was a considerable expansion of the FHP and, simultaneously, a gradual reduction in the number of hospitalizations due to IPDs. However, the hospitalization rate remains high and there is a steady state of mortality for the same cause in the country, thus indicating that there may still be difficulties in healthcare system concerning these diseases. DESCRIPTORS: Communicable Diseases. Parasitic Diseases. Family Health Strategy. Primary Health Care.