Evaluation of access to mammographies in Brazil and socioeconomic indicators: a space study

OBJECTIVE  To evaluate the correlation between mammography screening coverage in women from 50 to 69 years old and the socioeconomic indicators Human Development Index (HDI) and Gini Index.

METHODS  Epidemiological, retrospective and ecological study carried out in Brazil with secondary data. The sample is made up of 5565 municipalities in Brazil. As a dependent variable: the ratio of screening mammography examinations performed in women aged 50 to 69 years, from 2008 to 2015, and as independent variables: The Human Development Index (HDI) and the Gini Index. Descriptive analysis, univariate and bivariate spatial analysis were performed.

RESULTS  North, Northeast and Center-West are regions that are more propitious for breast cancer, due to the low access for mammograms.

CONCLUSION  The HDI and the Gini index, determinants of inequalities, directly influence the mammography numbers in Brazil, highlighting the importance of evaluating public policies.

Keywords:
Mammography; Women’s health; Spatial analysis; Public health