Public perception as an alternative method for estimating health status

Abstract

Background: A great number of indicators and quality of life indices in terms of health are reported in the current statistical statements of general morbidity, although having plenty of information; they also have low reliability and poor analytical capabilities. Therefore, the above indices currently lose their relevance, being based only on data of population visits to health care providers for medical advice. Material and methods: Questioning, as the basic method of sociological research, makes it possible to obtain information quickly and cost-effectively, being recognized as a method with full right to monitor public health. Results: Subjective information during the accumulation process becomes objective public characteristic and it can be integrated into the actions for planning and evaluation of activities in the field of health care. Insured persons (in comparison with uninsured persons) are more sensitive to their health status also caring about being health insured in any possible demand; insured persons care more about their health, accounting for a higher percentage in the follow-up group of persons with both chronic and acute diseases. This contributed to the fact that the cases of incapacity for work due to illness amongst insured persons were met a third less frequently comparing to uninsured persons. Conclusions: There were problems identified, which deserve special attention of decision makers in the field of health care. These are: people avoid addressing to the family doctor in case of health concerns, whereas insured persons prefer to appeal mainly to hospital in-patient services, and uninsured persons prefer to appeal for services to private medical centers. In the case of illness almost every third uninsured person (34.8%) does not seek medical attention, and only every fourth uninsured person (25,6%) addresses to the family doctor.