Primary care assessment from a male population perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Primary Care

Background:

• Primary health care is crucial for population health.
• Understanding male perspectives on primary care quality is essential for equitable service delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate primary health care quality from the male population's viewpoint.
• Identify areas of strength and weakness in primary care services for men.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional descriptive-evaluative study.
• Utilized the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) for interviews.
• Conducted in family health units in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil.

Main Results:

• 301 men (mean age 51.34) participated.
• Positive evaluations for utilization, information systems, and longitudinality.
• Negative evaluations for access, comprehensiveness, service availability/provision, family centeredness, and community orientation.

Conclusions:

• Primary care features were largely unsatisfactory for male users.
• There is a need to expand access to primary care services.
• Care quality for male users requires significant improvement and qualification.