ECONOMIC PROFILE AND SATISFACTION OF THE SUS (UNIFIED HEALTH SYSTEM) USERS: USERS‘ PERCEPTION OF HEALTH SERVICE IN THE NORTHEAST BRAZIL.

Introduction/Objectives: The creation of the Unified Health System (SUS) led to a hierarchical arrangement of health services in Brazil, pointing the Family Health Strategy (FHS) as the users’ gateway and enabling their contact with health care in Brazilian municipalities. This study aims to identify the economic profile of the users and to evaluate their satisfaction with the services offered by the SUS. Methods:A cross-sectional study, held in May 2014 at a Family Health Unit in Fortaleza with a sample of 431 users interviewed after the service. Results/Conclusion: It was found that 12.5% of the sample was living on less than the minimum wage; 63.9% was receiving between 1 and 2 minimum wages; 12.8% between 2 and 3; 5.1% between 4 and 5 minimum wages and 5.8% over 5 minimum wages. Among those which income varies between 1 and 2 minimum wages, 59.1% described the FHS as poor. For those respondents earning more than 5 minimum wages, 95.8% ranked the FHS from very good to excellent. The analyzed data showed influences of family income in the assessment of health systems and it can be attributed to a greater use of the services by low-income users. We have noticed that there is a positive evaluation of respondents, indicating that, despite the deficiencies of the system, satisfying aspects are identified and capable of providing a good rating. It is important to establish public policies in order to identify and to remedy the shortcomings and to strengthen positive aspects pointed out by the users.