| Abstract: | This study used the data set of 2005Survey of Social Development Trends -- Health and Security which was conducted by Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics Executive Yuan, R.O.C. The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors of the utilization of health service among adults and the predictors of the utilization patterns of health service among those who had injuries. This study found that groups of female, older, married, devoiced or separated, widowed, lower education, unemployed, those who living in Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Penghu, income over NT$800,000 per year, and those who perceived unhealthy were more likely to be associated with higher utilization of health service.
Among those who ever had injuries within three months, groups of those who living in Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, and those with injuries of burn or other causes were more likely to be associated with higher number of outpatient visits; groups of those who living in Yilan, Hualien, Taitung, income over NT$400,000 and less than NT$600,000, and those who were burn injured were more likely to be associated with higher utilization of emergency room; groups of female, and those perceived unhealthy were more likely to be associated with higher utilization of inpatient care Through this study the factors that influence the utilization of health service were found. More health promotion and education should be implemented upon those specific groups. This study adds to current knowledge of patterns of utilization of health service after people had injured. The findings will help future studies to include these identified characteristics to conduct analysis, and help to achieve the goal of saving more lives. |
