Analysis of the level of knowledge of users of a primary health care unit about the role played by this institution and by an emergency care unit

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess users' level of information about the dynamics of the functioning of health units and the dichotomy of primary and secondary care levels. Methods: a cross-sectional analytical study with 154 users who attended the UAPS Aída Santos e Silva, located in Fortaleza-CE. Data were collected by filling out forms applied by the researchers and asking users verbally. Results: regarding the level of knowledge, only 39.61% of the interviewees knew the function of the UAPS, 31.37% did not know how the service was organized, and 46.31% did not know how to correctly answer the opening hours. Furthermore, 80% stated that there is no general practitioner, or general practitioner, in primary care. About the UPA, 54.67% said they did not know its function, and 48.99% did not know the standard of care. Likewise, 47.02% of patients reported that the last classification they had received when visiting the UPA was green or blue. Conclusion: most of the patients who sought primary care did not understand the role of primary care and health levels and were unaware of the times for seeking emergency care.