PROFILE OF ABSENTEEISM IN MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AT A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT IN RIBEIRÃO PRETO, SP: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595112518027

• Palavras-chave: Absenteeism; Medical Consultations; Family Health Strategy; Primary Health Care; Access to Health Services.

• Keywords: Absenteeism; Medical Consultations; Family Health Strategy; Primary Health Care; Access to Health Services.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Absenteeism from scheduled medical appointments represents a challenge for the ef-fectiveness of the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Objective: To analyze absenteeism from medical appointments at a Family Health Unit in Ribeirão Preto-SP, identifying patterns and associated fac-tors. Method: Retrospective cross-sectional study, using data from medical appointments at Family Health Unit 3, between January and December 2013. Variables analyzed: number of appointments scheduled and missed, gender, micro-area of residence and month of appointment. Descriptive analysis with measures of central tendency, dispersion and frequencies. Results: Of the 2680 sche-duled appointments, 918 were missed (34.25%). The majority of absentees were female (64.5%) and from micro-area 2 (25.92%). Absenteeism was highest in July (43.56%) and January (42.92%). Con-clusion: High absenteeism compromises the care and management of the USF. The predominance of women and in micro-area 2 suggests the influence of sociocultural factors and access barriers. Sea-sonality points to the need for educational actions and reorganization of services.