Analysis of the determinants in the use of the Popular Pharmacy Program in Brazil

Abstract

Objective: The study analyzes the determinants of the individual who participate in the Popular Pharmacy Program in Brazil (PFPB). Methods: It used a microdata base from the National Health Survey in 2013, using the Logit model. Results: Observe if the individual’s age increases, the more likely the program is to use medication. In addition, greater schooling, belonging to the highincome class and using health plans decrease this probability. It was also found that the perception of health of each individual does not change the probability of using PFPB, but the diagnosis of chronic diseases is an important explanatory factor for the use of medicines. Conclusion: The use of the program is related to socioeconomic and morbidity factors, demonstrating the importance of pharmaceutical assistance policies in the health/disease process, especially for individuals in lowincome classes and with chronic or long-term illness. The results allow public managers to have a greater understanding the use of the program by the population, enabling better targeting, expansion and qualification of access to medicines.