Abstract

HERNANDEZ-IBARRA, Luis Eduardo  and  MERCADO-MARTINEZ, Francisco J. A qualitative study on health care to chronically ill people in Popular Health Insurance program. Salud pública Méx [online]. 2013, vol.55, n.2, pp.179-184. ISSN 0036-3634.

OBJECTIVE: To examine health care provided to chronically ill people in the Popular Health Insurance (Seguro Popular) from the perspective of patients and health professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was carried out in Guadalajara, Mexico. 40 chronically ill people, and 14 health professionals of primary health centers participated in the study. Information was gathered using semi-structured interviews; critical discourse analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Seguro Popular has meant gains and losses to participants. Cronically ill people value it positively since it is perceived as a gift, not a social right. Some obstacles impede participants accessing health care, obtaining medications and analysis. Conflictive relations also cause tensions between patients and health professionals. CONCLUSION: The initial goals of Seguro Popular are not achieved regarding health care to chronically ill people. The perspectives of sick people should be prioritized.

Keywords : health systems; chronic disease; qualitative methods; Mexico.