Chang Hong-Jen, Huang Nicole, Lee Cheng-Hua, Hsu Yea-Jen, Hsieh Chi-Jeng, Chou Yiing-Jenq
Bureau of National Health Insurance, Taipei, Taiwan.
Am J Public Health. 2004 Apr;94(4):562-4. doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.4.562.
Using interrupted time-series analysis and National Health Insurance data between January 2000 and August 2003, this study assessed the impacts of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic on medical service utilization in Taiwan. At the peak of the SARS epidemic, significant reductions in ambulatory care (23.9%), inpatient care (35.2%), and dental care (16.7%) were observed. People's fears of SARS appear to have had strong impacts on access to care. Adverse health outcomes resulting from accessibility barriers posed by the fear of SARS should not be overlooked.
本研究利用中断时间序列分析方法以及2000年1月至2003年8月期间的国民健康保险数据，评估了严重急性呼吸综合征（SARS）疫情对台湾地区医疗服务利用的影响。在SARS疫情高峰期，观察到门诊护理（减少23.9%）、住院护理（减少35.2%）和牙科护理（减少16.7%）显著下降。人们对SARS的恐惧似乎对就医产生了强烈影响。因恐惧SARS造成的就医障碍所导致的不良健康后果不容忽视。
