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The effect of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) on health service utilisation of a Chinese population

Author

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  • Lam, Cindy L. K.
  • Fong, Daniel Y. T.
  • Lauder, Ian J.
  • Lam, Tai-Pong D.

Abstract

This study was designed to find out whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was an independent determinant of health service utilisation of a Chinese population and to determine whether the addition of HRQOL data to sociodemographic and morbidity factors could significantly increase the explanatory power of risk-adjustment models. A cross-sectional random telephone survey of the general adult Chinese population in Hong Kong was conducted among 2410 Chinese aged 18-88Â yr old, 52% were females and 38% had one or more chronic diseases. Health service utilisation was measured by annual consultation, monthly consultation and hospitalisation rates. HRQOL was measured by the SF-36. Multivariate regressions were used to test the dependence of service utilisation rates on sociodemographic factors, chronic morbidity and the SF-36 scores. Structured multiphase regression analyses were used to determine the magnitude of the effect of the SF-36 scores, in addition to those of sociodemographic and chronic morbidity factors, on service utilisation. Five of eight SF-36 scores were independent determinants of consultation rates. They doubled and tripled the percentages of variance explained for annual and monthly consultation rates, respectively. Role limitation by physical problems and bodily pain scores had a significant effect on hospitalisation rates. This was the first study showing a linear relationship between HRQOL and service utilisation on a Chinese population. It confirmed the clinical relevance of the SF-36 to a culture and health care system that is different from that of the United States where the instrument originated.

Suggested Citation

  • Lam, Cindy L. K. & Fong, Daniel Y. T. & Lauder, Ian J. & Lam, Tai-Pong D., 2002. "The effect of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) on health service utilisation of a Chinese population," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(9), pages 1635-1646, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:55:y:2002:i:9:p:1635-1646
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    Cited by:

    1. Mei-chun Cheung & Janelle S. K. Lai & Joanne Yip, 2022. "Influences of Smartphone and Computer Use on Health-Related Quality of Life of Early Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Mei-Chun Cheung & Joanne Yip & Jason Pui Yin Cheung, 2022. "Influence of Screen Time during COVID-19 on Health-Related Quality of Life of Early Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, August.
    3. Ho, Sai Yin & Mak, Kwok Kei & Thomas, G. Neil & Schooling, Mary & Fielding, Richard & Janus, Edward D. & Lam, Tai Hing, 2007. "The relation of chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus to perceived health, and the moderating effects of sex and age," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(7), pages 1386-1396, October.
    4. Wong, William C.W. & Gray, Sister Ann & Ling, Davina C. & Holroyd, Eleanor A., 2006. "Patterns of health care utilization and health behaviors among street sex workers in Hong Kong," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(2), pages 140-148, July.

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