Determinants of Physician Attraction and Retention in Primary Care: An Analysis of Public Sector Compensation in a Health Macroregion of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: According to the National Primary Care Policy, the role of physicians in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is crucial, encompassing clinical care, prevention, diagnosis, and coordination of care across various points in the Health Care Network (HCN). However, Brazil faces challenges in attracting and retaining physicians specialized in Family and Community Medicine (FCM), resulting in high turnover and compromising the effectiveness of primary care. This research investigates the correlation between primary care physicians' salaries and socioeconomic and geographical factors in municipalities within the health macro-region of Planalto Norte and Northeast of Santa Catarina. Methods: The analysis was conducted in two stages. First, data on salaries and socioeconomic variables from 26 municipalities in the macro-region were collected, followed by statistical analysis using Jamovi 2.3.28.0. Results: although the average salary for physicians in the region is R$ 22,770, no direct correlation was observed between salary and local economy or proximity to major urban centers. Discussion: The study highlights the importance of salary as a controllable variable for health managers but suggests that other factors, such as the structuring of the health network and political intervention, also play significant roles in attracting and retaining professionals. Conclusion: The research suggests that local salary policies might be effective in improving the geographical distribution of physicians and addressing regional disparities. However, it underscores the need for further investigations to better understand the determinants of salary and physician motivation in primary care.