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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jin-Ding Lin¹, Ching-Hui Loh², Im-Cheng Choi¹, Chia-Feng Yen³, Jia-Ling Wu³, and Chi-Chieh Tan⁴. (1) School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, 161, Min-Chun E. Rd., Sec. 6, Taipei, Taiwan 114, Taipei, 114, Taiwan, 886-2-87923100#18447, a530706@ndmctsgh.edu.tw, (2) Departement of Family and Community Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, No. 325, Chenggong Rd., Section 2, Nei-Hu, Taipei, 114, Taiwan, (3) Chung-Hua Foundation for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, No.19, Ally 25, Lane 184, Sec.4, Chungshin Rd., Sanchung City, Taipei County, 241, Taiwan, (4) Department of Early Childhood Care & Education, Tajen University of Technology, No.8, Ally 30, Chung-De I Rd., Pingtung City, 900, Taiwan

The aim of this study is to describe inpatient utilization among people under intellectual disability (ID) care in institutions in order to identify the pattern of medical care needs and the factors affecting utilization in Taiwan. Method The subject cohort was 168 individuals with ID who were cared for by a large public disability institution from 1999 to 2002 in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. Results On the examination of the inpatient care that these persons underwent, it was found that these individuals had a heightened need (inpatient rate: 10.1% to 14.9%) for inpatient care compared to the general population with disabilities (9.37%) in Taiwan. The main reasons for hospitalization were pneumonia, gastrointestinal disorders, cellulites, orthopedic problems, epilepsy and bronchitis. Using the full model of Generalized Estimating Equations for inpatient care utilization, the factors of low income family, living in an institution, being a subject also suffering from cerebral palsy and being a high outpatient user all influenced the use of inpatient care. Conclusions This study highlights that health authorities need to promote health planning more in order to ensure an excellent quality of health monitoring and health promotion among people with ID cared for by institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• The aim of this study is to describe inpatient utilization among people under intellectual disability care in institutions in order to identify the pattern of medical care needs and the factors affecting utilization in Taiwan.

Keywords: Disability, Health Care Utilization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered