THE IMPACT OF NATURAL DISASTER ON MEDICAL UNTILIZATION BETWEEN 921 EARTHQUAKE SURVIVALS THAT LOST & DID NOT LOST THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS

• Main Authors: Usman Iqbal, 烏斯馬
• Other Authors: 許怡欣
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/06727399598812584346

碩士 === 臺北醫學大學 === 醫務管理學研究所 === 100 === Background: The impact of earthquake disasters on survivors who either lost or didn’t lose family members is largely unknown. Moreover, it is often overlooked how disaster affects those closest to the primary victims, their family members. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the long-term effects of a catastrophic earthquake on survivals that lost or didn’t lose family members and how they utilize healthcare services after the earthquake. Research Design: We conducted a retrospective, population-based study covering 10-years after Chi-chi earthquake in Taiwan. Utilization data were extracted from Household registry and BNHI (Bureau of National Health Insurance) in Taiwan. Subjects: Subjects consisted of 1183 survivals that lost their family members by 921 earthquake, 48651 survivals those who didn’t lose their family members by earthquake during 4 months duration, after earthquake from September 22nd 1999 to 31st December 1999. Measures: As outcome measures, we studied 1) the significant difference between survivals that lost or didn’t lose their family members by earthquake in relation to medical utilization. 2) Medical care utilization between survivals that lost or didn’t lose their family members by earthquake with respect to Inpatient, Outpatient and Psychiatric medical utilization. All analyses control for age, gender. Results: Bereaved survival group was found significant (P<0.01) with increased number of Psychiatric visits with inconstancy throughout ten-years after earthquake. Those survivals that didn’t lose their family members by earthquake was found significant (P<0.001) with respect to outpatient visits and expenditures also with instability during ten years. The difference between surviving groups bereaved and those who didn’t lose their family members by 9/21 earthquake was not significant with respect to visits but was found significant (P<0.001) with respect to expenditures for psychiatric medical utilization. Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the bereaved individuals and those who have witnessed the disaster.