[Continuity of care of patient with diabetes and its affecting factors in Korea].
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to estimate the continuity of care for all Koreans with diabetes and to identify factors affecting the continuity of care.


METHODS
We obtained National Health Insurance claims data for patients with diabetes who visited health-care providers during the year 2004. A total of 1,498,327 patients were included as study subjects. Most Frequent Provider Continuity (MFPC) and Modified, Modified Continuity Index (MMCI) were used as indexes of continuity of care. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting continuity of care.


RESULTS
The average continuity of care in the entire population of 1,498,327 patients was 0.89 +/- 0.17 as calculated by MFPC and 0.92 +/- 0.16 by MMCI. In a multiple linear regression analysis, both MFPC and MMCI were lower for females than males, disabled than non-disabled, Medicaid beneficiaries than health insurance beneficiaries, patients with low monthly insurance contributions, patients in rural residential areas, and patients whose most frequently visited provider is the hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
The continuity of care for patients with diabetes is high in Korea. However, women, the disabled and people of low socio-economic status have relatively low continuity of care. Therefore, our first priority is to promote a diabetes management program for these patients.
Yoon
Chai-Hyun
CH
Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Gangseogu Health Center, Seoul.
Lee
Sin-Jae
SJ
Choo
Sooyoung
S
Moon
Ok-Ryun
OR
Park
Jae-Hyun
JH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008483:Medical Assistance; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D011203:Poverty