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Analysis of inequalities in access to healthcare in North-east Portugal

2024Journal article Open access
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dc.contributor.authorReis, Sara
dc.contributor.authorMaldonado, Emanuela
dc.contributor.authorMatos de Barros, João
dc.contributor.authorAroso Louro, Afonso
dc.contributor.authorGuimarães, Manuel
dc.contributor.authorBarroso, Bárbara
dc.contributor.authorFernandes, Hélder
dc.contributor.authorNovo, André
dc.date.accessioned2024-11-29T15:04:51Z
dc.date.available2024-11-29T15:04:51Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractHealthcare accessibility stands as a multifaceted challenge, intricately woven with factors ranging from geographical location to economic status. Mental health, an indispensable aspect of overall well-being, is particularly susceptible to the inadequacies pervasive within global healthcare systems. Against this backdrop, schizophrenia emerges as a poignant example of the profound challenges faced by individuals navigating mental health disorders within healthcare systems. In the context of Portugal, while strides have been made in recognizing healthcare equity as a fundamental right, persistent regional disparities persist, underscoring the imperative for a coordinated effort to bridge these gaps. The interplay between geographical barriers and healthcare accessibility manifests as a critical determinant of health outcomes, particularly poignant in rural and remote communities where access to specialized care remains elusive. Objective: This article aimed to analyse the characteristics of the schizophrenia spectrum disorder population in the Bragança district and the disparities in their healthcare access. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on a sample of 274 patients provided by the Mental Health Department at the Unidade Local de Saúde Nordeste (ULSNE – Northeast Local Healthcare Unit), for sociodemographic characterization. The data were retrieved from the hospital’s database. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. Results: The research enrolled 274 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, predominantly male (65.7%), with most falling within the 40-49 and 50-59 age brackets. Hospitalization frequency averaged 4.73 ± 6.74 instances, with men exhibiting higher rates. A significant correlation was found between medical monitoring and hospitalization frequency, particularly among patients with follow-up. Moreover, a notable discrepancy in healthcare accessibility was identified across municipalities, necessitating considerable patient travel for psychiatric consultations. Conclusion: The case study examined the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the Bragança district. These findings highlight the urgent need for improvements in the existing healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of medical services in underserved areas and the implementation of innovative solutions such as telemedicine.pt_PT
dc.description.versioninfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersionpt_PT
dc.identifier.citationReis, Sara; Maldonado, Emanuela; Matos de Barros, João; Aroso Louro, Afonso; Guimarães, Manuel; Barroso, Bárbara; Fernandes, Hélder; Novo, André (2024) . Analysis of inequalities in access to healthcare in North-east Portugal. Cadernos de Saúde. ISSN 1647-0559. 16:1, p. 29-38pt_PT
dc.identifier.doi10.34632/cadernosdesaude.2024.16.1pt_PT
dc.identifier.issn1647-0559
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10198/30685
dc.language.isoengpt_PT
dc.peerreviewedyespt_PT
dc.publisherUniversidade Católica Portuguesapt_PT
dc.relation.publisherversionhttps://revistas.ucp.pt/index.php/cadernosdesaude/article/view/16020pt_PT
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/pt_PT
dc.subjectMental healthpt_PT
dc.subjectSchizophreniapt_PT
dc.subjectGeographical barrierspt_PT
dc.subjectPublic healthpt_PT
dc.subjectHealth systemspt_PT
dc.titleAnalysis of inequalities in access to healthcare in North-east Portugalpt_PT
dc.typejournal article
dspace.entity.typePublication
oaire.citation.endPage38pt_PT
oaire.citation.issue1pt_PT
oaire.citation.startPage29pt_PT
oaire.citation.titleCadernos De Saúdept_PT
oaire.citation.volume16pt_PT
person.familyNameBarroso
person.familyNameFernandes
person.familyNameNovo
person.givenNameBárbara
person.givenNameHélder
person.givenNameAndré
person.identifierH-1386-2012
person.identifier.ciencia-id8B11-A2DC-CE51
person.identifier.ciencia-idAD1F-BBED-52A4
person.identifier.ciencia-id7D14-8584-AB2B
person.identifier.orcid0000-0001-6323-2309
person.identifier.orcid0000-0001-9705-8214
person.identifier.orcid0000-0001-8583-0406
person.identifier.scopus-author-id612710
rcaap.rightsopenAccesspt_PT
rcaap.typearticlept_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication312c6954-cbfd-4e75-896f-e748370eb39f
relation.isAuthorOfPublication1cbcece0-6032-4724-a0b1-b1b560b12314
relation.isAuthorOfPublicationf17cfa22-2a97-4396-bdc6-4570baee6885
relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery312c6954-cbfd-4e75-896f-e748370eb39f

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