ABSTRACT
A random sample of 951 dwellings with 4.192 people was selected and studied three times, in 1995 and 1996. All health events (acute and chronic disease episodes, accidents, health examinations, dental care) and the main features of medical care were registered in the interviews which coverd a 2-week period each time. Half of sick people received medical care and the rest was managed with self care techniques. Sixty nine percent of subjects with acute diseases received medical care, compared to 32 percent of those with chronic diseases. The National Health Fund (FONASA) financed most of these medical attentions, half of these were done in private centers and the rest in public premises. Private centers took care of 71 percent of acute patients, 48 percent of chronic patients and 27 percent of health controls. The proportion of private care in different cities paralleled the income of their populations. An estimation of 3.5 medical attentions per capita per year in these cities can be reached. Health care was considered very good by 33 percent of patients, as good by 55 percent, as regular by 9 percent and as deficient by 3 percent. Quality of care of private centers was perceived as better than that of public centers. Eighty five percent of sick people that did not seek medical care, did so due to the mildness of their aliments. People had to afford a mean of US$ 30 per episode of acute disease. US$ 32 per episode of chronic disease and US$ 56 per each dental attention. Two thirds of patients with acute diseases and one third of patients with chronic diseases received medical care during the study period