RESUMEN

Objective To assess the use of hospitalization services by urban and rural residents of Dongying City and its influencing factors. Methods A survey on health services in the whole city was conducted in 2002 and on the basis of a descriptive analysis of the data, an analysis of the influencing factors of hospitalization probability was made by means of logistic regression. Results The hospitalization ratio of urban and rural residents of Dongying averaged 57‰ whereas the ratio of nonhospitalization averaged 42‰, both being higher than the average national levels. The hospitalization ratio of urban residents was 76‰ whereas that of rural residents was 46‰, the former being significantly higher than the latter. Factors influencing hospitalization probability chiefly included sex, age, income, and medical insurance system. Conclusion It is suggested that the process of regional health planning be accelerated and systems of medical security and medical aid be adopted.