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The Ecology of Medical Care in Beijing

Author

Listed:
  • Shuang Shao
  • FeiFei Zhao
  • Jing Wang
  • Lei Feng
  • XiaoQin Lu
  • Juan Du
  • YuXiang Yan
  • Chao Wang
  • YingHong Fu
  • JingJing Wu
  • XinWei Yu
  • KayKeng Khoo
  • YouXin Wang
  • Wei Wang

Abstract

Background: We presented the pattern of health care consumption, and the utilization of available resources by describing the ecology of medical care in Beijing on a monthly basis and by describing the socio-demographic characteristics associated with receipt care in different settings. Methods: A cohort of 6,592 adults, 15 years of age and older were sampled to estimate the number of urban-resident adults per 1,000 who visited a medical facility at least once in a month, by the method of three-stage stratified and cluster random sampling. Separate logistic regression analyses assessed the association between those receiving care in different types of setting and their socio-demographic characteristics. Results: On average per 1,000 adults, 295 had at least one symptom, 217 considered seeking medical care, 173 consulted a physician, 129 visited western medical practitioners, 127 visited a hospital-based outpatient clinic, 78 visited traditional Chinese medical practitioners, 43 visited a primary care physician, 35 received care in an emergency department, 15 were hospitalized. Health care seeking behaviors varied with socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender, age, ethnicity, resident census register, marital status, education, income, and health insurance status. In term of primary care, the gate-keeping and referral roles of Community Health Centers have not yet been fully established in Beijing. Conclusions: This study represents a first attempt to map the medical care ecology of Beijing urban population and provides timely baseline information for health care reform in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuang Shao & FeiFei Zhao & Jing Wang & Lei Feng & XiaoQin Lu & Juan Du & YuXiang Yan & Chao Wang & YingHong Fu & JingJing Wu & XinWei Yu & KayKeng Khoo & YouXin Wang & Wei Wang, 2013. "The Ecology of Medical Care in Beijing," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(12), pages 1-1, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0082446
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082446
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    References listed on IDEAS

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