INTRODUCTION: Analyzing the waiting time for certain elective surgeries (saphenectomy, cholecystectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and hysterectomy) according to hospital type, the present study intends to find if there are differences in health care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in Sorocaba with 40 individuals from a private hospital and 40 from a public hospital, interviewed in October and November 2005. RESULTS: A longer waiting time was observed for the following categories: public hospital (5.5 months; p<0.001), lower education (3.5 months; p<0.001), lower income (Spearman=-0.4426; p<0.001), residence out of Sorocaba (2 months; p=0.009), and saphenectomy (5 to 7 months; p=0.04). Adjusted for confounding, comorbidity, income, education, or residence variables, waiting time in public hospitals still was significantly longer (a difference of at least 4.93 months, when adjusted for income; 95%CI 3.4-6.4; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There was a relevant inequity in health care related mainly to the type of health care provider.
Equity; Waiting time; Elective surgery; Social factors; Health care; Health policy
