Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública/Pan American Journal of Public Health

The role of gender in the demand for treatment of problems associated with alcohol consumption in Mexico

Objectives. To update information available on the role that gender plays when consumers of alcohol seek help, as well as to evaluate the associations between the demand for treatment and other key variables.
Methods. Data came from 2002 National Survey on Addictions (Encuesta Nacional de Adicciones) in Mexico, which interviewed one randomly-selected individual from 12–65 years of age in each of 11 252 homes. The results of this study are based on the responses of the 5 406 individuals identified as consumers of alcohol. The demand for health care services was defined as seeking treatment for drinking-related problems during the last year. Alcohol consumers were defined as those people who had consumed alcohol during the last year. The national treatment-seeking prevalence rate was calculated by gender, consumption patterns, dependency syndrome, and other alcohol-related issues. In the logistical regression analyses, seeking treatment was used as the dependent variable.
Results. Of the total consumers, 1.4% sought treatment for drinking-related problems. For males, the corresponding percentage was 2.1%, while for women it was 0.2% (P < 0.001). For each woman with an alcohol dependency who got help, there were 49 males who did so. In the multivariate analysis, gender was significantly associated, using females as the reference, even when controlling for dependency and for absenteeism at work due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusions. The probability of seeking treatment is higher among males than females who are faced with cultural, family, and treatment-related barriers. Another important predictor is work absenteeism due to excess drinking. Health care planning needs to sharpen its focus through programs designed to address the specific needs of women.

Objetivos. Actualizar la información sobre el papel del género en la búsqueda de ayuda por parte de consumidores de alcohol, así como evaluar las asociaciones de la demanda con otras variables de interés.
Métodos. La información proviene de la Encuesta Nacional de Adicciones 2002, que incluyó 11 252 hogares, en los cuales se entrevistó a un adulto entre 12 y 65 años de edad. Los resultados de este estudio se basan en las respuestas de las 5 406 personas identificadas como consumidoras de alcohol. La demanda de atención se definió como la búsqueda de ayuda por problemas de consumo en el último año. Los consumidores de alcohol quedaron definidos como aquellas personas que consumieron alcohol en el último año. Se calculó la prevalencia nacional de búsqueda de ayuda según género, patrones de consumo, síndrome de dependencia y otros problemas relacionados con el consumo de alcohol. Se realizaron regresiones logísticas utilizando la demanda de atención como variable dependiente.
Resultados. De los bebedores, 1,4% solicitaron ayuda debido a sus problemas de consumo de alcohol. El porcentaje correspondiente en hombres fue de 2,1%, mientras que en las mujeres fue de 0,2% (P< 0,001). Por cada mujer dependiente que solicita ayuda, hay 49 hombres que lo hacen. En el análisis multivariado, el género aparece asociado significativamente —usando a las mujeres como referencia—, aún controlando por dependencia y por haber perdido el trabajo debido al consumo de alcohol.
Conclusiones. Los hombres tienen mayor probabilidad de solicitar servicios de atención en comparación con las mujeres, quienes enfrentan obstáculos de tipo cultural, familiar y de los servicios. Otro importante predictor es el hecho de haber perdido el trabajo por la bebida. Es necesario enfocar más eficazmente la planeación de servicios a través de programas diseñados para atender las necesidades específicas de las mujeres.

Health indicators in the elderly: a comparison of Brazil and the United States

Objective. To identify indicators used in evaluating the population 65 years of age and older in Brazil that are comparable to those used in the United States, and to compare the situation of this age group in the two countries.
Method. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study, based on secondary data. Brazilian equivalents to the well-being indicators employed in the United States were searched in websites published by government health or planning institutions. Data from national surveys were also employed, and when necessary, data from existing databases were reanalyzed.
Results. Of the 31 indicators used in the United States, an equivalent in Brazil was not found for only three: memory impairment, social activity, and violent crime. In the United States, the number of older individuals was greater; level of education was also higher in this age group. The two countries were similar in terms of health status and life expectancy at 65 years of age. Death rates due to cerebrovascular disease and diabetes were higher in Brazil, while death rates due to malignant neoplasms were higher in the United States. Disabilities and self-reported morbidity due to arthritis and depression were more frequent in the United States. The self-perception of health status as good was higher in Brazil, whereas the indicators related to life habits and risk factors indicated a more favorable situation in the United States.
Conclusions. If the discriminating power of the indicators is truly adequate, the health conditions of the elderly in these two countries are similar.

Objetivo. Identificar no Brasil indicadores equivalentes aos utilizados nos Estados Unidos para avaliar a população com idade de 65 anos ou mais no ano de 2000 e comparar a situação nos dois países.
Método. Este é um estudo descritivo e transversal, baseado em dados secundários. A partir de uma lista de indicadores de bem-estar empregada nos Estados Unidos, equivalentes brasileiros foram pesquisados nos sites de instituições públicas de saúde ou de planejamento. Também foram utilizados dados de pesquisas nacionais e, se necessário, foram feitas reanálises de bases de dados.
Resultados. Dos 31 indicadores que compõem a lista norte-americana, somente para três não foi encontrado um equivalente brasileiro: comprometimento de memória, atividade social e crimes violentos. Nos Estados Unidos, o número de idosos foi maior e a escolaridade desse grupo foi mais alta. Os dois países foram semelhantes em termos de condição de saúde e expectativa de vida aos 65 anos. Maiores taxas de óbito por doença cerebrovascular e diabetes foram registradas no Brasil e por neoplasias malignas nos Estados Unidos. A morbidade auto-referida por artrite e por depressão foi mais freqüente nos Estados Unidos, assim como as incapacidades. A autopercepção de bom estado de saúde foi superior no Brasil, ao passo que os indicadores de hábitos de vida e os fatores de risco revelaram uma melhor situação nos Estados Unidos.
Conclusões. Se o poder discriminatório dos indicadores utilizados for de fato adequado, as condições de saúde dos idosos no ano de 2000 eram próximas nos dois países.

Epidemiological environment and response to the HIV epidemic in Bolivia

With AIDS/HIV, early detection is of key importance to public health, as well as disseminating prevention information and providing timely and appropriate treatment. In Bolivia, at the end of 2006 approximately 50% had AIDS at the time of diagnosis, detection having occurred late in the illness. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Bolivia is concentrated, with prevalence rates over 5% among the at-risk population, primarily men who have sex with men. From January 1984 through October 2006, the total number of HIV/AIDS cases reported in Bolivia rose to 2 190, with 1 239 HIV and 951 AIDS cases, and underreporting estimated to be over 70% country-wide. The United National Joint Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) estimated that by the end of 2006 there would be 6 700 people living with HIV/AIDS in Bolivia. In the context of this scenario, the article describes the challenges facing the HIV/AIDS program and the strategies developed to address the epidemic in Bolivia. In addition, the UNAIDS/ PAHO strategies are stressed and must get underway for HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities in the country.

El VIH/SIDA constituye, actualmente, un problema de salud pública debido a la propagación constante y continua de la enfermedad. La detección temprana de la infección es una estrategia prioritaria en salud pública para la orientación y difusión de los mensajes de prevención, y el tratamiento temprano y oportuno de la enfermedad. En Bolivia, cerca de 50% del total de personas notificadas al momento del diagnóstico (n = 2 190) se encuentran en fase SIDA, con una detección tardía de la enfermedad (1).

How to implement Chile’s new anti-tobacco law within the university

On the 16th of May 2006, the Diario Oficial de la República de Chile (Official News of the Republic of Chile), published Law No. 20.105, which modified Law No. 19.419 regarding advertising and consumption of tobacco. Since it entered into force, different institutions and public spaces have had to enact its regulations. The purpose of this article is to share how the new anti-tobacco law is being implemented, with a health promotion angle, by the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC). As such, we highlight key findings from a review of the literature on the subject and describe the implementation strategies developed and substantiated in theory as well as by how they address the concerns of the university community. The main accomplishments of the anti-tobacco implementation were: reaching a compromise between the university directorate and the student leaders, who in turn motivated the student body to participate during the large-scale roll-out of the new law; the participation of all of the UC stakeholders; utilizing the varied methods of mass communication; and lastly, providing an opportunity for reflection and analysis for those directly affected: the smokers. The challenge is to evaluate the strategies implemented in the incorporation of the new Chilean anti-tobacco law.

En el Diario Oficial de la República de Chile se publicó, el 16 de mayo de 2006, la Ley N° 20.105, que modificó a la Nº 19.419 concerniente a la publicidad y el consumo de tabaco (1). Desde que esta ley entró en vigor el 14 de agosto del mismo año, diversas instituciones y espacios públicos han debido acatar sus disposiciones. Con respecto a las instituciones de educación superior, dicha legislación ha determinado claramente sus exigencias, así como las consecuencias de su incumplimiento, lo cual ha motivado a las universidades a buscar estrategias de implementación eficientes, oportunas y duraderas.

Objectives. There is evidence that health care during pregnancy is a crucial component in ensuring a safe delivery. Because the infant mortality rate in Costa Rica is almost half the rate of Panama, the researchers tested the hypothesis that women in Costa Rica are more knowledgeable about prenatal health care than women in neighboring Panama.
Methods. A multiple-choice survey was used to evaluate women’s knowledge of prenatal care using WHO recommendations as the nominal standard. Oral surveys were administered to 320 women in Costa Rican and Panamanian health care clinics. The surveys consisted of multiple-choice questions designed to assess four specific domains of knowledge in prenatal care: nutrition, danger signs, threats from illness, and acceptable activities during pregnancy. Survey answers were scored, and significant factors in assessing women’s knowledge of prenatal care were determined using analysis of variance and general linear models.
Results. Costa Rican women scored higher than Panamanian women in most domains of knowledge in prenatal health care. Only country of origin and educational level were significant factors in determining knowledge of prenatal care. However, country of origin was a stronger predictor of knowledge of prenatal care than was having completed high school.
Conclusions. These data suggest that Costa Rican women are more knowledgeable about necessary prenatal care than Panamanian women, and that this difference is probably related to direct education about and promotion of prenatal care in Costa Rica. This suggests an influence of cultural health care awareness that extends beyond the previously established negative correlation between maternal educational level and infant mortality.

Conocimientos de las mujeres de Costa Rica y Panamá sobre el cuidado de la salud durante el embarazo

Objetivos. El cuidado de la salud durante el embarazo es un componente crucial para garantizar un parto sin riesgo. Como la mortalidad infantil en Costa Rica es casi la mitad de la registrada en Panamá, se probó la hipótesis de que las mujeres costarricenses conocen más acerca de los cuidados durante el embarazo que las panameñas.
Métodos. El conocimiento de las mujeres acerca de los cuidados de la salud durante el embarazo se evaluó mediante una encuesta, con las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud como estándar nominal. La encuesta se aplicó verbalmente a 320 mujeres en clínicas de Costa Rica y Panamá. Las preguntas de selección múltiple evaluaron el conocimiento en cuatro dominios específicos: nutrición, señales de alarma, amenazas por enfermedades y actividades aceptables durante el embarazo. Se asignaron puntuaciones a las respuestas. Se emplearon el análisis de varianza y modelos lineares para establecer los factores significativos que determinaron el conocimiento sobre los cuidados prenatales.
Resultados. Las mujeres costarricenses tuvieron una mayor puntuación que las panameñas en la mayoría de los dominios del conocimiento sobre los cuidados de la salud durante el embarazo. Los únicos factores significativos que determinaron esos conocimientos fueron el país de origen y el nivel educacional. El país de origen fue un factor de predicción de estos conocimientos más potente que haber completado la enseñanza media.
Conclusiones. Los resultados indican que las mujeres costarricenses tienen más conocimientos sobre los cuidados necesarios durante el embarazo que las panameñas y que esa diferencia puede estar relacionada con la educación directa sobre los cuidados prenatales y su promoción en Costa Rica. Esto podría indicar que hay una influencia de la cultura de concientización del cuidado de la salud que va más allá de la correlación negativa ya conocida entre la mortalidad infantil y el nivel de educación de la madre.

Social participation in health in rural northeastern Brazil

Objectives. To analyze the social participation taking place through Municipal Health Councils (MHC) in two small towns in northeastern Brazil.
Methods. A qualitative, exploratory, multicase study focused on the MHCs of Lafayete Coutinho (state of Bahia) and Groaíras (state of Ceará) was conducted. Data were gathered from February–April 2005 through analysis of documents, direct observation of MHC meetings, and semistructured interviews. Documents analyzed included decrees, laws, and municipal regulations; city health department annual management reports; municipal health plans; and reports of municipal health conferences. MHC meeting minutes for the period between inception of these councils and 2004 were also reviewed. Interviews of 17 council members took place, eight of whom were from Lafayete Coutinho and nine from Groaíras.
Results. Both councils had irregular practices regarding membership structure and nomination of members, such as frequent changes in appointed members and continuous “reshuffling” of council structure. In addition, new council members were appointed each time a new mayor took charge. Sporadic frequency of meetings was also observed. In Lafayete Coutinho, of 96 meetings planned, just 37 took place; in Groaíras, of 186 meetings planned, 93 took place. Analysis of MHC efforts to formulate and control municipal health policies revealed three themes: health status of the population and public policies; organization and functioning of health services; and financial management and accounting. The interviews showed that council members were dissatisfied with the practices of the MHCs and revealed a lack of confidence in how truly representative the councils are and how much power they have.
Conclusions. Social participation strategies in Brazil must be reconsidered with an angle toward promoting political responsibility and raising awareness among citizens.

Objetivos. Analisar a participação social por meio dos Conselhos Municipais de Saúde (CMS) em dois municípios de pequeno porte do Nordeste do Brasil.
Métodos. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, qualitativo, do tipo casos múltiplos, tendo como objeto de pesquisa os CMS de Lafayete Coutinho (Estado da Bahia) e Groaíras (Ceará). Os dados foram obtidos entre fevereiro e abril de 2005 por meio de análise documental, observação direta das reuniões dos CMS e entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Foram analisados decretos, leis e portarias municipais; relatórios anuais de gestão das secretarias municipais de saúde; planos municipais de saúde; e relatórios das conferências municipais de saúde. Também foram analisadas as atas dos conselhos desde a sua criação até o ano de 2004. Foram entrevistados 17 conselheiros de saúde, oito de Lafayete Coutinho e nove de Groaíras.
Resultados. Ambos os conselhos apresentaram irregularidades quanto à composição e à posse dos conselheiros, como a alta rotatividade de representantes e as constantes “reformulações” da composição do conselho. Além disso, o quadro dos CMS era totalmente renovado quando da posse de um novo prefeito. Também foram observadas irregularidades na freqüência das reuniões. Em Lafayete Coutinho, das 96 reuniões previstas foram realizadas 37; em Groaíras, das 186 reuniões previstas o CMS realizou 93. Na análise da atuação do CMS como formulador e controlador das políticas municipais de saúde, emergiram três categorias temáticas: estado de saúde da população e políticas públicas; organização e funcionamento dos serviços de saúde; e gestão financeira e prestação de contas. As entrevistas mostraram a insatisfação dos participantes com as práticas do CMS e a sua descrença quanto à representatividade e ao poder desses conselhos.
Conclusões. É preciso repensar as estratégias de participação social no Brasil a partir da perspectiva do desenvolvimento de práticas sociais de amadurecimento político e elevação da consciência cidadã.

Objectives. To describe the new drugs marketed in Brazil during the period 2000–2004, compare the description to the country’s burden of disease, and suggest initiatives capable of addressing the situation from the perspective of a developing country.
Methods. Records of new drugs were surveyed in an official drug registration database. The new drugs were categorized by Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification, indication, and innovation, and compared with the needs of the country’s burden of disease. Data on the morbidity and mortality rates of selected diseases (diabetes, Hansen’s disease, hypertension, tuberculosis) were retrieved from official documents and the literature.
Results. During the period investigated, 109 new drugs were launched. Most were general anti-infectives for systemic use (19), followed by antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (16). The number of new drugs launched in 2004 was roughly one-third that of 2000. Of 65 new drugs, only one-third can be classified as innovative. Most new drugs were intended to treat noninfectious diseases that typically affect developed countries, diseases that constitute only a fraction of the country’s challenges.
Conclusions. A mismatch occurs between public health needs and the new drugs launched on the Brazilian market. Not only did the number of new drugs decrease in the study period, but only a few were actually new in therapeutic terms. Developing countries must acquire expertise in research and development to strengthen their capacity to innovate and produce the drugs they need.

Nuevos medicamentos en Brasil: ¿responden a las necesidades de la salud pública brasileña?

Objetivos. Describir los nuevos medicamentos lanzados al mercado en Brasil durante el período 2000–2004, comparar su descripción con la carga de enfermedades del país y recomendar iniciativas que permitan enfrentar la situación desde la perspectiva de un país en desarrollo.
Métodos. Se buscaron los nuevos medicamentos en una base de datos oficial de registro de medicamentos. Los nuevos medicamentos se categorizaron según la Clasificación Química Anatómico-Terapéutica (ATC), su indicación y su grado de innovación, y se compararon con las necesidades según la carga de enfermedades del país. Los datos de morbilidad y mortalidad de cuatro enfermedades seleccionadas (diabetes, enfermedad de Hansen, hipertensión y tuberculosis) se tomaron de documentos oficiales y de la literatura.
Resultados. En el período investigado se lanzaron al mercado 109 nuevos medicamentos. La mayoría eran antibióticos generales de uso sistémico (19), seguidos de antineoplásicos y agentes inmunomoduladores (16). El número de medicamentos nuevos lanzados en 2004 fue aproximadamente una tercera parte de los lanzados en 2000. De 65 nuevos medicamentos, solamente una tercera parte puede considerarse innovadora. La mayoría de los nuevos medicamentos estaban dirigidos a tratar enfermedades no infecciosas que por lo general afectan a los países industrializados y que constituyen una pequeña parte de los problemas que aquejan a Brasil.
Conclusiones. No hay correspondencia entre las necesidades de salud pública de Brasil y los nuevos medicamentos lanzados al mercado en ese país. No solamente disminuyó el número de nuevos medicamentos en el período estudiado, sino que solo unos pocos eran realmente nuevos en términos terapéuticos. Los países en desarrollo deben ganar experiencia en investigación y desarrollo

Objectives. This study investigated the low rates of hospital/health center births recorded in Yapacaní, Bolivia, that persist despite the national maternal-infant insurance program designed to ensure equitable access to free center-based health care services for pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to identify the multilevel factors inhibiting access to and utilization of public health centers for labor and delivery.
Methods. Qualitative research methods were used, including participant observation, semistructured interviews of 62 community members, and key informant interviews with eight regional experts. Data were coded and analyzed using the grounded theory approach.
Results. From the semistructured interview data, five reasons for the low rate of institutional births and their frequency were identified: (1) fear or embarrassment related to receiving care at a public health care center (37%); (2) poor quality of care available at the health care centers (22%); (3) distance from or other geographic issues preventing timely travel to health care services (21%); (4) economic constraints preventing travel to or utilization of health care services (14%); and (5) the perception that health care services are not necessary due to the experience of “easy birth” (6%).
Conclusions. The reasons for the low rate of births in public health centers exist within the context of deficient resources, politics, and cultural differences that all influence the experience of women and their partners at the time of birth. These large scale, contextual issues must be taken into account to improve access to quality health care services for all Bolivian women at the time of birth. Resources at the national level must be carefully targeted to ensure that governmental services will successfully instill confidence in Bolivian women and facilitate their overcoming the cultural, geographic, economic, and logistical barriers to accessing “free” services.

Barreras al parto hospitalario: ¿por qué muchas bolivianas dan a luz en casa?

Objetivos. Se investigó la baja tasa de partos en hospitales y centros de salud de Yapacaní, Bolivia, que persiste a pesar del programa nacional de seguro materno-infantil diseñado para garantizar el acceso equitativo a centros gratuitos de atención sanitaria para embarazadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los factores que a diversos niveles inhiben el acceso a centros públicos de salud para partos y su utilización.
Métodos. Se emplearon métodos cualitativos, entre ellos la observación participante, entrevistas semiestructuradas a 62 miembros de la comunidad y entrevistas a informantes clave con ocho expertos regionales. Los datos se codificaron y analizaron mediante el enfoque de teoría fundamentada.
Resultados. A partir de las entrevistas semiestructuradas se identificaron cinco razones para la baja tasa de partos institucionales y se establecieron sus frecuencias: 1) miedo o vergüenza a atenderse en un centro público de salud (37%); 2) baja calidad de la atención en los centros de salud (22%); 3) lejanía u otras barreras geográficas que impedían llegar oportunamente a los centros de salud (21%); 4) limitaciones económicas que impedían hacer el viaje o utilizar los servicios (14%); y 5) la percepción de que la atención sanitaria no era necesaria debido a la experiencia de “partos fáciles” (6%).
Conclusiones. Las razones de la baja tasa de partos observada en los centros públicos de salud estudiados se insertan en un contexto de escasos recursos, políticas deficientes y diferencias culturales que influyen en la experiencia de las mujeres y sus parejas en el momento del parto. Para mejorar el acceso a una atención sanitaria de calidad para todas las mujeres bolivianas en el momento del parto se deben tomar en cuenta estos problemas generalizados y contextuales. A nivel nacional, los recursos deben asignarse con cuidado para garantizar que los servicios gubernamentales logren inspirar confianza a las mujeres bolivianas y faciliten que puedan vencer las barreras culturales, geográficas, económicas y logísticas que obstaculizan su acceso a servicios “gratuitos”.

Objectives. To better understand the individual and community factors and perceptions that influence women’s health care–seeking behaviors during pregnancy in order to increase women’s utilization of maternal health services.
Methods. This study investigates the logistical and sociocultural barriers influencing women’s utilization of maternal health services through 37 semi-structured in-depth interviews with women from the department of Matagalpa, Nicaragua.
Results. Results reveal that delays in seeking health care during pregnancy are influenced not only by poor access to care and economic barriers but also by individual and community knowledge and acceptance of maternal health services. Partner support, previous maternal health care experiences, and the degree of communication with other women and health workers affect women’s decisions to seek care.
Conclusions. Evidence suggests that in order to improve maternal health outcomes in this region, interventions must be targeted at a hierarchy of levels: individual, household, and community.

Utilización de los servicios de salud materna en el departamento de Matagalpa, Nicaragua

Objetivos. Mejorar el conocimiento sobre las percepciones y los factores personales y comunitarios que influyen en la búsqueda de atención médica durante el embarazo, con vistas a aumentar la utilización de los servicios de salud materna.
Métodos. Mediante 37 entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad aplicadas a mujeres del departamento de Matagalpa, Nicaragua, se investigaron las barreras logísticas y socioculturales que influyen en la utilización de los servicios de salud materna.
Resultados. Los resultados muestran que sobre la demora en la búsqueda de atención sanitaria durante el embarazo influyeron no solo el escaso acceso y las barreas económicas, sino también el conocimiento individual y comunitario sobre los servicios de salud materna y su grado de aceptación. El apoyo de la pareja, el haber recibido atención médica durante embarazos previos y el grado de comunicación con otras mujeres y trabajadores sanitarios influyeron en la decisión de las embarazadas de buscar atención.
Conclusiones. Los datos indican que para mejorar la salud materna en esta región, las intervenciones se deben dirigir a diversos niveles: el individuo, el hogar y la comunidad.

Providing quality pharmaceutical services in Brazil: Items pending on the Unified Health System’s agenda

Objective. To identify items on the agenda of Brazil’s Unified Health System that are related to the quality of pharmaceutical services and have not yet been implemented.
Methods. Data were collected from the inspection reports issued by the federal government’s controllership office. Inspection reports completed from August 2004–July 2006, available on the Internet, were reviewed. The issues identified were classified into 15 categories.
Results. Of the 660 inspections that were carried out, 659 were analyzed (one was unavailable). In 62 cities pharmaceutical assistance services had not been audited, therefore, a the final sample of 597 cities was analyzed (10.7% of Brazil’s municipalities). Of these, 90.3% had issues associated with the management of resources or services. In 71% of the municipalities, the reports indicated lack of or deficient inventory control, and in 39%, inadequate storage conditions. A shortage of drugs was observed in 24% of the municipalities.
Conclusions. The goals of Brazil’s national drug and pharmaceutical assistance policies are far from being met. Quality pharmaceutical services must again be included on the agenda at all three government levels since it is impossible to have effective health care without quality pharmaceutical services.

Objetivos. Apontar aspectos inconclusos da agenda do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para a qualificação dos serviços farmacêuticos no Brasil.
Métodos. Os dados foram coletados a partir dos relatórios de fiscalização de municípios elaborados pela Controladoria Geral da União (CGU). Utilizaram-se os relatórios completos de fiscalizações realizadas entre agosto de 2004 e julho de 2006, disponíveis na Internet. Todos os relatórios publicados foram analisados. Os problemas identificados foram organizados em 15 categorias.
Resultados. Foram realizadas 660 fiscalizações e analisados 659 relatórios (um não estava disponível). Em 62 municípios, os recursos da assistência farmacêutica não foram auditados, o que resultou em uma amostra final de 597 municípios (10,7% dos municípios brasileiros). Desses, 90,3% apresentaram problemas na gestão de recursos ou serviços. Em 71% dos municípios foi constatada a falta de controle de estoque ou sua deficiência e em 39% condições inadequadas de armazenamento. Verificou-se falta de medicamentos em 24% dos municípios.
Conclusões. Os propósitos da Política Nacional de Medicamentos e da Política Nacional de Assistência Farmacêutica estão distantes da concretização. O tema deve ser novamente incluído na agenda dos governos nas três esferas, pois não é possível falar em efetividade da atenção à saúde sem que a assistência farmacêutica cumpra o seu papel com qualidade.