To evaluate the health behavior and medical utilization patterns of residents in Choongju rural area is useful for district health authority and health facilities in identifying the problems and setting the priorities. The reasons is that rural
area in
Choongju city has a relatively few health resources except public health subcenters and public health posts.
We evaluated the health behavior, health status, and medical utilization pattern of people in Choongju rural area using the household survey in summer, 1995. From 12 Myuns, randomly selected 6 Myuns first, and then applied convenient sample
method.
The residents had many health problems. 98(32%) out of the 307 respondents had some health problems, most of which were musculoskeletal and gastro-intestinal problems. A total of 218 persons(72%) though that it was individual responsibility.
Because the
Lay referral system, was poor and many of residents had to make the decisions about their health problems and medical seeking by themselves. When they were ill, 34% of respondents answered that they would visit hospitals first, and 24% would
visit
health-subcenter. But, when illness was severe, 72% of respondents answered that they would use hospitals at first.
We suggest that public health facilities in rural area should be activated since they play the major role in promoting the health of rural residents. Health programmes such as health education, counseling, and disease prevention program, are also
necessary especially for most of elderly persons.
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