Analysis of Requirement and Utilization of Health Service of Rural and Urban Residents in a County of Anhui Province

Objectives To understand the needs and utilization of health service of urban and rural residents in a county of Anhui Province.Methods A total of 946 residents were drawn from a county town and three communities by a cluster random sampling method and the selected subjects were surveyed using interviewer administered questionnaire.Results The rate of two-week sickness of urban residents was: 5.4 %(male) and 4.9 %(female).The rate of two-week sickness of rural residents was 2.6%and 4.6% respectively.Prevalence rates of urban and rural residents reported chronic diseases were 10.8% and 6.16%.There was no significant difference between the case-mix systems of two-week sickness of urban and rural residents,which were mainly diseases of circulation system,respiratory system,digestive system,endocrine system.The time needed to reach the nearest service providers of residents was much longer than WHO standard.Conclusions Prevalence rates of reported two-week sickness and chronic diseases in this area were both lower than national average but accessibility of health service in this area was inefficient.The aging degree in this area was quite high,which would bring a new challenge to the health service.