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Impact of chronic diseases on health services and quality of life of a Chinese population

2003; BioMed Central; Volume: 2; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1046/j.1444-1683.2003.00064.x

1447-056X

Cindy Lo Kuen Lam, I Lauder, Tai-Pong D Lam,

Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life

Asia Pacific Family MedicineVolume 2, Issue 2 p. 98-106 Impact of chronic diseases on health services and quality of life of a Chinese population Cindy LK LAM, Corresponding Author Cindy LK LAM Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this authorIan J LAUDER, Corresponding Author Ian J LAUDER Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this authorTai-Pong D LAM, Corresponding Author Tai-Pong D LAM Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this author Cindy LK LAM, Corresponding Author Cindy LK LAM Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this authorIan J LAUDER, Corresponding Author Ian J LAUDER Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this authorTai-Pong D LAM, Corresponding Author Tai-Pong D LAM Cindy LK Lam FRCGP, FHKAM, Family Medicine Unit, 3rd Floor, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong SAR. Email: clklam@hku.hkSearch for more papers by this author First published: 23 May 2003 https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1444-1683.2003.00064.xCitations: 9Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Background: Chronic diseases are becoming the major global burden of disease. Information on their impact on health services and quality of life of individual patients can facilitate the provision of appropriate care. Objectives: To determine the self reported prevalence of chronic diseases and their impact on health service utilization and quality of life of individual patients. Methods: A cross sectional random telephone survey was conducted on 2410 Chinese adults from the general population in Hong Kong using both a structured questionnaire and the 36 item short form Health Survey (SF-36). The effects of chronic diseases on consultation rates, hospitalization risk and the SF-36 scores were analyzed by multivariate stepwise regressions, controlling for sociodemographic variables and comorbidity. Results: A total of 38% of subjects reported one or more chronic diseases with 59% being less than 60 years. Chronic joint problems were the most common. Every additional chronic disease increased the annual number of consultations by 60% and the likelihood of hospitalization in the last year by 79%. Most chronic diseases had a negative impact on quality of life with most associated with psychological problems. Conclusions: One in three Chinese adults in Hong Kong reported having chronic diseases. The total number of chronic diseases had a linear relationship with service utilization, which could be a useful medical risk adjustment factor. Enhancing quality of life should be an important aim in the management of chronic diseases. Citing Literature Volume2, Issue2June 2003Pages 98-106 RelatedInformation