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Mental Disabilities Increase the Risk of Respiratory Infection-Related Healthcare Utilization

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  • Chen-Hung Chiang

    (Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
    Department of Gerontology and Health Care Management, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City 33303, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Che Tsai

    (Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan)

  • Yee-Yung Ng

    (Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan)

  • Shiao-Chi Wu

    (Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan)

Abstract

Patients with chronic mental illness are highly vulnerable to chronic respiratory problems. We examined the influence of mental disability on respiratory infection-related utilization risk in individuals with and without mental disabilities (MDs). A population-based, retrospective cohort design and two-part model were used to analyze respiratory infection-related utilization in individuals with MDs (MD group) and a matched reference group. The respiratory infection-related utilization rate in one year was lower in the MD group (53.8%) than in the reference group (56.6%). The odds ratios (ORs) were significantly higher among individuals with profound MDs (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.07–1.14) and those with a history of dental cavities (aOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.13–1.19) or periodontal disease (aOR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19–1.26) after controlling for covariables. The average number of visits was higher in the MD group (5.3) than in the reference group (4.0). The respiratory infection-related utilization rate and average number of visits were significantly higher in the mild, moderate and severe disabled groups with a history of periodontal disease, respectively, than that of the reference group. In conclusion, healthcare authorities must develop an incentive program to prevent respiratory infections among individuals with MDs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen-Hung Chiang & Ming-Che Tsai & Yee-Yung Ng & Shiao-Chi Wu, 2019. "Mental Disabilities Increase the Risk of Respiratory Infection-Related Healthcare Utilization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3845-:d:275396
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