The consumer's feelings and opinions about medical care are important in determining timely utilization and compliance. However, low-income Brazilians have rarely been consulted about their expectations and satisfaction with health services. A 10% household survey in a dormitory town near Brasilia showed more dissatisfaction with accessibility of services than with physicians' role performance. However, some skepticism toward physicians, related to poor patient-physician communication and the social distance between client and practitioner was evidenced. Poor diffusion of hours and services available resulted in underutilization of the community health center.
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