S E Baumeister1, D Alte, U John. 1. Institut für Epidemiologie und Sozialmedizin, Universität Greifswald. sebastian.baumeister@uni-greifswald.de
Abstract
AIMS: This study examined the role of social support in relation to the use of medical services in a north-eastern German population. METHODS:A representative random sample of the Pomeranian population (4,310 persons) was analysed. The response rate was 68.8 %. Bivariate and multivariate associations between socio-economic variables, need (evaluated and perceived health status), social support and the number of consultations (general practitioners or internists) were assessed. The SF-12 and the MOS social support survey were used as standardised instruments. RESULTS: Social supports showed no main effects on utilisation rates. Individuals living in a partnership showed lower levels of utilisation (median: 4.3 vs. 6.2). The combination of high morbidity and low social support or no partnership results in an increase in medical services utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Social support treatments that target an appropriate use of the health care system can be a cost-effective measure in chronically ill patients.
RCT Entities:
AIMS: This study examined the role of social support in relation to the use of medical services in a north-eastern German population. METHODS: A representative random sample of the Pomeranian population (4,310 persons) was analysed. The response rate was 68.8 %. Bivariate and multivariate associations between socio-economic variables, need (evaluated and perceived health status), social support and the number of consultations (general practitioners or internists) were assessed. The SF-12 and the MOS social support survey were used as standardised instruments. RESULTS: Social supports showed no main effects on utilisation rates. Individuals living in a partnership showed lower levels of utilisation (median: 4.3 vs. 6.2). The combination of high morbidity and low social support or no partnership results in an increase in medical services utilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Social support treatments that target an appropriate use of the health care system can be a cost-effective measure in chronically ill patients.
Authors: Jens Klein; Nico Vonneilich; Sebastian E Baumeister; Thomas Kohlmann; Olaf von dem Knesebeck Journal: Int J Public Health Date: 2012-03-14 Impact factor: 3.380