OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to evaluate breast exams performed by doctors, in the previous year, in women with ages ranging from 20 to 69 years. Some characteristics of this procedure were investigated. The results were compared with another population-based cross-sectional study done in 1992. METHODS: A population-based cross sectional survey was conducted in an urban area of southern Brazil (Pelotas). The urban area of the city is comprised of 288 census tracts. A total of 40 census tracts were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Logistic regression was performed following a hierarchical model of analyses. RESULTS: Among the 1,122 women included in the sample, 549 (48.9%) had their breast exam performed by a doctor. An association was found for socioeconomic level, skin color, ambulatory attendance and cytopathologic tests. DISCUSSION: The dichotomy in the local health system and the evidences of inequalities in care were discussed.
Physical examination; Self-examination; Breast; Epidemiology; Cross-sectional studies; Evaluation; Evaluation of public health interventions; Outcome and process assessment
