Measuring the health care needs of an adult population in California.

An objective index of met health care needs based on specific conditions and symptoms medically judged to require medical attention was tested with data on an adult sample of the population in Alameda County, California. It was found that the needs of 81 per cent of subjects with symptoms of arthritis were met, whereas only 60 per cent of subjects with frequent leg cramps had their needs met. It was further found that age, regular source of care, medical insurance and perceived health status were associated with whether or not subjects with certain conditions or symptoms received medical attention. Policy implications of the findings are briefly discussed.