PREVALENCE OF DERMATOSIS IN MEDICAL CARE IN A FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY IN A CITY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: The doctor involved in Primary Health Care (PHC) is in a privileged setting for comprehensive care, facing patients of different genders, age groups, life cycles and sociocultural conditions. In this context, dermatological complaints are the main causes of seeking care. Objective: To analyze, among medical consultations, the prevalence and management of dermatological complaints in a Family Health Strategy of the Primary Health Care network in the municipality of Ijuí, in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). Methods: Na epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out, reviewing a random and representative sample of medical records from medical consultations carried out in 2020. The variables gender, age, dermatological complaint, main dermatological complaint, consultation were addressed. Scheduled or spontaneous demand and need for referral, directly from the electronic medical record. Results: 685 medical records were reviewed and of these, 109 reported dermatological conflicts, representing a prevalence of 15.91% in patients with skin changes and 70.6% of dermatological problems represented the main complaint. A higher prevalence of dermatoses was observed among users under 13 years of age (24.2%). Men used the unit’s services more, specifically due to skin complaints (main complaint), totaling 85.7%. Scheduled consultations required more referrals to another level of care (60.7%) than consultations carried out on spontaneous demand (39.3%). Conclusion: Dermatoses represented a notable, relevant and common reason for access to PHC. Most problems were resolved in the consultation itself and 25.7% of patients required referral. The findings highlight the importance of doctors working in this area being able to detect and manage dermatological changes as well as carry out proper coordination of care.