Factors associated with interpersonal continuity of care: a population-based study

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 915 - 925
• Main Authors: Rosa Filho, Luiz Artur, Fassa, Anaclaudia Gastal, Paniz, Vera Maria Vieira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Brazil 01.04.2008
• Subjects: Adult; Brazil; Continuity of Patient Care - statistics & numerical data; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physician-Patient Relations; Poisson Distribution; Prevalence; Primary Health Care - statistics & numerical data; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Population; Brazil
• ISSN: 0102-311X
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2008000400023

This study focused on the prevalence of interpersonal continuity of care and its determinants. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 3,133 individuals 20 years or older in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Multivariate analysis used Poisson regression, with the first level representing socioeconomic and demographic variables and the proximal level including health care and health needs variables. Prevalence of interpersonal continuity of care was 43.7% (95%CI: 42.0-45.5). Female gender, higher age, higher income, consultation during the previous year, report of chronic disease, and consultation outside the public health system showed higher interpersonal continuity of care. Among individuals that consulted in public primary health care services, female gender, age, and the Family Health Program were associated with interpersonal continuity of care. Some vulnerable groups (low-income and users of the public health system) showed low prevalence of the outcome.