Characterization of access to outpatient care, pharmacological treatment and quality of life of patients with chronic respiratory conditions
1
Department of Life Sciences, UNEB - Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the upper and lower airways and are associated with a marked reduction in quality of life. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most prevalent conditions worldwide and represent major public health challenges. In the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, inequalities in access to health services persist, reinforcing the need for evidence to support public health planning and decision-making.
METHODS:
this descriptive, analytical, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study adopted a quantitative approach, using secondary data from medical records of a pulmonology outpatient clinic within the public health system of Bahia. A total of 92 records met the eligibility criteria and were included. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
RESULTS:
most patients were female (68.5%), with a mean age of 54.6 years (±17.6). At the first consultation, 42.0% reported respiratory symptoms or had no confirmed diagnosis. Chronic respiratory diseases were the most prevalent diagnostic group (31.5%). Regarding access to care, 62.1% of patients lived in the eastern macro-region of the state, where the outpatient clinic is located. The mean travel time to reach the service was 3 hours and 10 minutes, and 42.4% relied on public transportation. Concerning pharmacological therapy, 35.6% reported using respiratory medications, while 55.4% did not use medications or could not report free access. Additionally, 31.5% purchased their medications. Quality of life assessed using the AQ-20 showed a mean score of 9.2 (±5.5), indicating intermediate health status.
CONCLUSIONS:
the findings characterize access to specialized care, treatment patterns, geographical displacement and perceived quality of life among patients with CRDs, highlighting persistent challenges in access and treatment within the Brazilian public health system.
chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) affect the upper and lower airways and are associated with a marked reduction in quality of life. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most prevalent conditions worldwide and represent major public health challenges. In the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, inequalities in access to health services persist, reinforcing the need for evidence to support public health planning and decision-making.
METHODS:
this descriptive, analytical, observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study adopted a quantitative approach, using secondary data from medical records of a pulmonology outpatient clinic within the public health system of Bahia. A total of 92 records met the eligibility criteria and were included. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
RESULTS:
most patients were female (68.5%), with a mean age of 54.6 years (±17.6). At the first consultation, 42.0% reported respiratory symptoms or had no confirmed diagnosis. Chronic respiratory diseases were the most prevalent diagnostic group (31.5%). Regarding access to care, 62.1% of patients lived in the eastern macro-region of the state, where the outpatient clinic is located. The mean travel time to reach the service was 3 hours and 10 minutes, and 42.4% relied on public transportation. Concerning pharmacological therapy, 35.6% reported using respiratory medications, while 55.4% did not use medications or could not report free access. Additionally, 31.5% purchased their medications. Quality of life assessed using the AQ-20 showed a mean score of 9.2 (±5.5), indicating intermediate health status.
CONCLUSIONS:
the findings characterize access to specialized care, treatment patterns, geographical displacement and perceived quality of life among patients with CRDs, highlighting persistent challenges in access and treatment within the Brazilian public health system.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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