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This is a cross-sectional study on the availability of prescribed medicines in Primary Health Care (PHC), with a probabilistic sample of 1,221 users of public pharmacies in a health pole municipality in Minas Gerais, in 2017. Medicine availability indicators were estimated, and a hierarchical logistic regression was performed, according to the behavioral model of health service use. Only 39.3% of patients received all medicines in the prescribed quantities. The most and the least available medicines were, respectively, those for the digestive system/metabolism, and for blood and hematopoietic organs. Full availability of the prescribed treatment was associated with higher schooling (≥ 8 years OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3-2.4); proximity to the pharmacy (≤15 min OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.3); absence of out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.7-2.9), and a smaller number of prescription drugs (≤ 2 OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 2.3-4.4; 3/4 OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.1). These results showed differences in medicine availability within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), and highlighted the need to reorganize the dispensing services network and pharmaceutical procurement planning, as well as to develop public policies to protect the vulnerable population.

Neuropsychiatric drugs are used for a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. This article aims to analyze the trend and determinants of public expenditure of these medicines in Minas Gerais, from 2010 to 2017. Data from the Integrated Materials and Services Administration System (SIAD) database were used to estimate volumes of acquisition and expenditure. A breakdown analysis was performed, and the list of purchased drugs was reviewed, and the Drug Utilization technique (DU90%) applied concerning anti-Parkinson drugs. Annual expenditure dropped by 36%, from R$ 111.7 million in 2010 to R$ 40.9 million in 2017, and the determinant factors were the falling prices and volume, associated with changes in the drug mix, which favored the acquisition, on average, of more expensive products. Higher levels of expenditure for anti-Parkinson drugs stand out, however, with a significant change in the list purchased. This study contributed to a better understanding of public spending on neuropsychiatric drugs. A reduced volume can increase the risk of shortages. Regarding anti-Parkinson drugs, there is no evidence to suggest an increased supply to the population.

This study investigated structural and organizational characteristics of the Pharmaceutical Services based on Primary Health Care (PHCPS) from the viewpoints of users and pharmacists. A mixed method design was applied, combining one-to-one semi-structured interviews with four pharmacists in charge of five public dispensing facilities and 69 users, with a secondary database analysis. Data were collected from February to August 2014 in Divinópolis, a municipality in Minas Gerais State. PHCPS were similar in terms of general activities performed and staff profile and background. While users were concerned about medicines' availability and improvements related to the PHCPS' conveniences and personnel, pharmacists pointed out problems regarding infrastructure to storage. Despite most users had low information on how to use their medicines, no pharmacists declared to participate in medicines dispensing activities. There was a low match between users and pharmacists viewpoints and advantages for concentrate medicines dispensing in a smaller number of facilities were not clear.

This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence and examines the role of social and demographic factors, health conditions, health system characteristics and contextual factors of under-utilization of medication for financial reasons among elderly women. Participants in the Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte Health Survey (GMBH) and the eleventh phase of the Bambuí Cohort Study of the Elderly were assessed. Among elderly women in the GMBH, the prevalence of under-utilization was 11.4%, and in Bambuí, the rate was 5.4%. Self-perception of health (OR, 3.46; 95%CI, 1.32_9.10); daily life limitations (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.31-5.78) and perception of help (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.07-5.25) had independent associations with under-utilization among GMBH residents. A poor perception of both cohesion in the neighborhood (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.02-5.56) and the physical environment (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.10-6.03) significantly increased the likelihood of under-utilization among Bambuí residents. These results provide important clues to identifying possible risk factors for under-utilization, highlighting the need to develop strategies targeting the amplification of the involvement between elderly women and their community to reduce the extent of under-utilization in later life.

Although medication is acknowledged as a key element in treating health problems, there is little information available on the use of medication by hospital workers. To estimate the prevalence and describe the patterns of medication consumption by hospital workers and to identify the factors associated with such consumption in this population, data from the "PROSEC" baseline cohort were analyzed (n=417). The prevalence of overall medication consumption was 72.4%, most of which was for nervous complaints (25.4%), especially analgesics (17.8%). Use of any amount of medication was independently associated with gender, number of medically diagnosed conditions and health problem in the two weeks prior to the interview. Use of a drug was significantly associated with income whereas self-diagnosed health problems were independently related with the use of two or more pharmaceutical products. The high prevalence of medication usage in this population, with analgesics being the most consumed medication, should be seen as a cause for concern, since many consumers are unaware that these products are not exempt from risk. Women and individuals in poor health are the main candidates for intervention programs in order to promote adequate and proper use of these pharmaceutical products.