| 摘要: | Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of self-perceived mental health and other factors on the utilization of heath care system using a national survey data. Data: Data came from the metal health domain of SF-36, collected in 2001 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey and linked with the within 1 year Nation Health Insurance (NHI) records, which has been implemented since March of 1995. Results: There were 6,455 males and 6,525 females 20 years old or above, who provided valid answers to the mental health questions in SF-36, and also signed the consent form allowing us to link their NHI data. Using the average score as the cut-off point, we found that males (OR=1.47; 95% CI, 1.37-1.57), married (OR=1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.25), working (OR=1.45; 95% CI, 1.25-1.67), and no problem in ADL (OR=3.14; 95% CI, 2.31-4.28) scored better than average, middle age (45-64 years) scored worse. Those who self-perceived better mental health were less likely to visit the clinics (OR=0.82, CI=0.72, 0.93) than the worse ones controlling for location, family income, sex, education, marital status, self-perceived health, preference of medical care, and health behaviors. Other factors associated with ever-use of clinics within 1 year were family income over 30,000 NT per month, females, married, self-perceived health as poor, convenience of health care, non-smokers, exercise and weight control. In terms of hospitalization or emergency visits, it was not significantly different between the better mental health and the worse. |
