[Analysis of factors associated with medical expenditure for the elderly in Fukuoka].

Based on "the Report of National Health Insurance Plan in Fukuoka", "the Report of Health Services for the Elderly in Fukuoka", and "the Health Statistics of Fukuoka" of 1987 and 1991, factors associated with medical expenditures for the elderly were examined. According to the result of correlation analyses, the general medical examination participation rate under the Health Service Law for the Elderly showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the in-patient medical expenditures as well as the out-patient medical expenditures for the elderly. The analysis concerning the three components of medical expenditure has clarified that this negative correlation is mainly explained by the low utilization of medical services among communities with a high general medical examination participation rate under the Law. This fact suggests that the general medical examination service might have a complementary effect against receiving care in medical facilities. However, there exists a possibility that the negative correlation observed in this study might be explained by the existence of "the third factor" intervening the pathway. In order to clarify the mechanism of relation observed, a micro-level analysis should be required.