Use of medical and dental health services by women according to financing during the coronavirus disease pandemic
1
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
2
Department of Social Medicine, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
3
Department of Occupational Therapy, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
4
Department of Medicine, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1636
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
the coronavirus disease pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges on health systems worldwide, exacerbating long-standing structural inequalities in access to health services¹,². In brazil, the pandemic led to service reorganization, mobility restrictions, and temporary reductions in routine care³. This study aimed to evaluate women’s access to health services during the coronavirus disease pandemic, focusing on the utilization of medical and dental consultations according to source of financing. This investigation is situated in the brazilian context, where health care is delivered through a mixed public–private system, combining a universal public sector free of charge with a private sector financed by health insurance or out-of-pocket payment⁴.
METHODS:
population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2021 with 1077 women in vitória, espírito santo, brazil, using face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire. prevalence of medical and dental care utilization and unmet need were analyzed according to public or private financing and health insurance coverage.
RESULTS:
64.4% of women reported needing medical care and 6.6% experienced unmet need, which was markedly higher among uninsured women (12.7%) compared with those with private insurance (1.4%). For dental care, 67.2% perceived need and 10.7% were unable to obtain consultation, reaching 13.9% among women without dental insurance versus 2.8% among those insured. Public service users concentrated in primary health care, while private users predominantly attended private offices. The findings indicate that although most participants obtained care when needed, significant inequalities persisted. Women relying on the public health system reported higher unmet needs and lower problem resolution, particularly in dental care. Possession of private health insurance emerged as a key determinant of health service utilization patterns.
CONCLUSIONS:
the results highlight persistent inequities in access to medical and dental care among women during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Strengthening primary health care and implementing policies aimed at expanding equity in access remain urgent priorities.
the coronavirus disease pandemic imposed unprecedented challenges on health systems worldwide, exacerbating long-standing structural inequalities in access to health services¹,². In brazil, the pandemic led to service reorganization, mobility restrictions, and temporary reductions in routine care³. This study aimed to evaluate women’s access to health services during the coronavirus disease pandemic, focusing on the utilization of medical and dental consultations according to source of financing. This investigation is situated in the brazilian context, where health care is delivered through a mixed public–private system, combining a universal public sector free of charge with a private sector financed by health insurance or out-of-pocket payment⁴.
METHODS:
population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2021 with 1077 women in vitória, espírito santo, brazil, using face-to-face interviews and a structured questionnaire. prevalence of medical and dental care utilization and unmet need were analyzed according to public or private financing and health insurance coverage.
RESULTS:
64.4% of women reported needing medical care and 6.6% experienced unmet need, which was markedly higher among uninsured women (12.7%) compared with those with private insurance (1.4%). For dental care, 67.2% perceived need and 10.7% were unable to obtain consultation, reaching 13.9% among women without dental insurance versus 2.8% among those insured. Public service users concentrated in primary health care, while private users predominantly attended private offices. The findings indicate that although most participants obtained care when needed, significant inequalities persisted. Women relying on the public health system reported higher unmet needs and lower problem resolution, particularly in dental care. Possession of private health insurance emerged as a key determinant of health service utilization patterns.
CONCLUSIONS:
the results highlight persistent inequities in access to medical and dental care among women during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Strengthening primary health care and implementing policies aimed at expanding equity in access remain urgent priorities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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