The influence of SCUD missile attacks on the utilization of ambulatory services in a family practice.
The consulting load in a family practice exposed to SCUD missile attacks during the 1991 Gulf War was compared with the equivalent period in 1990. The rate of visits was cut by half, with a relative and absolute increase in psychological consultations, and a decrease in consultations for infectious and respiratory conditions. There were more urgent consultations and fewer planned appointments. It is suggested that the stress of the SCUD missile attacks led to a reduction in consultations for trivial disorders, but an increase in the anxiety level of the population.
Nakar
S
S
Department of Family Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Rehovot, Israel.
Kahan
E
E
Nir
T
T
Weingarten
M A
MA
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D014857:Warfare