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Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 31, No. 6 suppl,
52-58 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/140349480303100609
Self-reported illness and use of health services in a rural district of Vietnam: findings from an epidemiological field laboratory
Kim Bao Giang
Department of Health Management and Health Policy, Faculty of Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam, kbgiangvn{at}yahoo.com
Peter Allebeck
Department of Social Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Aims: The aims of the study were to assess the pattern of self-reported illness as well as use of health services in a rural district in Vietnam, and to analyse these in relation to gender, age, educational level, occupation, and economic status. Methods: A population-based survey of 11,089 households was conducted in 1999. Through household interviews, data were collected on self-reported health, use of health services during four weeks prior to the interview, and other background factors. Results: The prevalence of self-reported illness was 48%. Cough, fever, and headache were the most commonly reported symptoms (20%) while cardiovascular disorders were least reported (0.6%). Occurrence of illness was significantly lower in groups with higher education, especially among men, but there was no difference between occupational and economic groups. Self-treatment was very common (69%). Private health facilities were used to a large extent, while community health stations played a less important role. Use of district hospitals was significantly higher among employed people. Discussion: An epidemiological field laboratory enabled analysis of self-reported illness and use of health services, which is important for planning of health services. We found a high level of reported illness but a very low utilization of community health services. Better knowledge about illness patterns could be important for improving quality of and access to community health services.
Key Words: epidemiology • health services utilization • self-reported illness • socioeconomic conditions • symptoms.
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