Self-reported chronic diseases and health status and health service utilization--results from a community health survey in Singapore.
OBJECTIVE
To report the extent of self-reported chronic diseases, self-rated health status (SRH) and healthcare utilization among residents in 1-2 room Housing Development Board (HDB) apartments in Toa Payoh.


METHODS
The study population included a convenience sample of residents from 931 housing development board (HDB) units residing in 1-2 room apartments in Toa Payoh. Convenience sampling was used since logistics precluded random selection. Trained research assistants carried out the survey. Results were presented as descriptive summary.


RESULTS
Respondents were significantly older, 48.3% reported having one or more chronic diseases, 32% have hypertension, 16.8% have diabetes, and 7.6% have asthma. Median SRH score was seven. Hospital inpatient utilization rate were highest among Indian ethnic group, unemployed, no income, high self-rated health (SRH) score, and respondents with COPD, renal failure and heart disease. Outpatient utilization rate was significantly higher among older respondents, females, and those with high SRH scores (7-10).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings confirming that residents living in 1-2 room HDB apartments are significantly older, with higher rates of chronic diseases, health care utilization than national average, will aid in healthcare planning to address their needs.
Health Services and Outcomes Research (HSOR), National Health Group, Singapore. pradeep_paul_g_gunapal@nhg.com.sg
Pradeep Paul
PP
George
Bee Hoon
BH
Heng
Joseph Antonio
JA
De Castro Molina
Lai Yin
LY
Wong
Ng Charis
NC
Wei Lin
Jason Tian Seng
JT
Cheah
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D057566:Self Report; D012846:Singapore / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult