Characteristics and management of morbidity in Santiago 1993 Caracteristicas y manejo de la morbilidad en Santiago 1993.

Abstract

Results of morbidity and medical care surveys of the Santiago's population are presented in this paper. A random sample of 1,000 dwellings with 4,700 people was selected and studied 3 times, in 1993 and 1994. All health events (acute and chronic morbidity, health examinations, dental care) and main features of medical care were registered in the interviews which covered a 2-week period each time. The population sample had similar characteristics than the results of the last Population and Dwellings Chilean Census. Health events were registered with high frequency: 56% of the families had one or more members with chronic disease; 51% with acute diseases; 46% with emotional troubles; 24% had dental care; 17% health examination and 6% different types of injuries. Frequency of medical care during the fortnight period was 5.6% out of total population of acute diseases; 1.0% of injuries; 4.9% for chronic diseases, 3.9% of health examinations and 5.6% of dental care. Frequency of diseases was