Equity in Health: Conception of professionals in the primary network of the Unified Health System

Background: This study refers to the process of investigation about the doctrinal principle of fairness of the Unifid Health System (SUS), through analysis of the theoretical and legal framework and the applicability thereof, specifially in Primary Health Care (APS) level, since it helps in monitoring and referring the population to other levels. The objective of this study was to verify the checked concepts about fairness in health on the speech of professionals working in the Family health’s strategy in the city of Juazeiro do Norte-CE, Brazil. Method: An analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted with a qualitative approach to obtain data that demonstrate how equity is perceived by professionals working in the Health Primary Level in Juazeiro do Norte, Ceara, Brazil. The sample included 18 professionals working in the direct assistance of family’s health and who worked for at least six months in family health strategies. Data collection was performed by a previously structured guide with subjective questions, to assist the interview. For data analysis, we used the technique of Bardin (2009). The study followed all the provisions of the National Health Council Resolution 466/12 and Ministry of Health. Results: It is possible to see that all employees in different professional categories have diffiulties to defie fairness, even with the majority having higher education, several years of training and expertise in the fild of Public Health. This can result from the lack of interest of these professionals to update their knowledge, lack of initiative in the research area and the lack of continuous and permanent education, which should be required by employers to remain in their positions and to perform their duties at work, not occurring in practice. Through the speeches of participants in this research is perceived that a minority of professionals have an adequate perception of the concept of equity in health, compared to literary concepts, making crucial the development of these professionals so that they promote corrections towards providing a more just and resolute assistance. Conclusions: It can be inferred that professionals have some knowledge about what is fair, but this concept is still vague, based on primitive human feelings and social vulnerability of the individual. A favorable position is assumed that health managers should offer to their employees, proper improvement to work in the Single System of Health level, especially in primary care, promoting means of continuous and permanent education