Social environment and services at the Special Immunobiological Reference Centers: epidemiological study, Minas Gerais, 2022-2024

OBJECTIVE: To analyze individual, socioeconomic, demographic, and coverage factors of non-face-to-face services evaluated by the Special Immunobiological Reference Centers (Centro de Referência para Imunobiológicos Especiais, CRIE) of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Epidemiological study with a mixed design, using data from requests for non-face-to-face services received by the CRIE of Minas Gerais between 2022 and 2024. Categorical variables were described by absolute and relative frequencies (%), while continuous variables were described by median and interquartile range. Logistic models were used to assess the associations related to service provision, with the calculation of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Sociodemographic data of the municipalities were considered as independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 9,158 requests were analyzed, with 51.8% of the requests coming from female individuals, and a median age of 51 years. Immunobiological agents were prescribed to 89.6% of individuals, with the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine being the most frequently indicated (24.8%). The Regional Health Management Department of Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais, showed the highest prevalence of referrals (n=1,232/13.4%), followed by the Regional Health Management Department of Ponte Nova (n=1,174/12.8%). Municipalities with a higher number of families earning up to half the minimum wage showed a lower likelihood of prescription (OR 0.99). Conversely, a higher proportion of the poor population registered in the Single Registry for Social Programs (Cadastro Único, CadÚnico) (OR 1.01) and a higher urbanization rate (OR 1.01) were associated with a greater likelihood of receiving a prescription. CONCLUSION: A potential association was found between social determinants of health and the non-face-to-face services evaluated by the CRIE, raising the discussion about the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare.