Study of utilization of medical care services and morbidity pattern for selected non communicable diseases in Police Hospital Colombo in year 2004.

Abstract

Descriptive cross sectional study was performed at Police Hospital Colombo with the objective of assessing the morbidity pattern and utilization of medical clinic facilities among clinic usera of the Police Hospital. A sample of 275 patients with selected non communicable diseases were selected by systematic random sampling. They were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Review of patinets clinic records were carried out by using a structural observation schedule. Check list was used to check the available facilities at the clinic. Study population consisted of 72 percent police officers and 28 percent of family members as clinic users. Wives of the police officers used the clinic predominantly, with compared to the other family members. Majority of the clinic attendants were males (69 percent) and age of 40-60 years (58 percent). 87 percent of them were married and majority had educated up to G.C.E. Ordinary level. Majority (91 percent) had monthly income in between 5001 to 15,000. the most frequent diseases observed were diabetes (65 percent), hypertension (49 percent) musculoskeletal disorders (19 percent) and ischemic heart diseases (8 percent). All four diseases were common in 40 to 60 ages. Around 50 percent of the patients have by passed the health institution closer to their residence with a view of getting good management at police hospital. Majority of the patients travel 10-100km to attend the clinic. the majority of senior rank officers (senior gazetted officers) spent less than one hour to travel and less than one hour in the clinic. Majority 46 percent had selected the Police Hospital as the service of their health care due to good management. Majority (65 percent) have not taken health services other than the Police Hospital for their present illnesses. All the patients attended the clinic were satisfied with the care received by them. The service providers themselves were satisfied with the service they provide to the patient, but they suggest improvements in laboratory service, Pharmacy service, clinic organization and referral system. All facilities available at medical clinic were at satisfactory level except for laboratory and pharmacy services, which are needed improvements.