Characteristics of the patients of chronic disease

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It is very important for family physicians to practice with comprehensive approach to patients with chronic illness. A study was done to assess psychosocial aspects of patients with chronic illness and disability and to help physicians manage patients effectively. METHODS: SCL-MPD questionnaires were done in 93 patients with chronic illness and disability who were admitted between April and May in 1997. The results were statistically analyzed by chisquare test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: 1. The mean score of SCL-MPD were 17.5 for `depression' and 13.78 for `somatization' with statistical significance(P<0.005). 2. Comparison of dimensions of patients with back pain syndrome had higher scoresn for `depression (25.2)', `somatization (22.1)', `hypochondriasis (14.7)', `phobic anxiety (11.6)', `neurasthenic (8.1)' and `interpersonal sensitivity(8.0)' than other disease groups with statistical significance (P<0.05). 3. In comparison of dimensions between males and females, the female group gradually had higher scores than males and, especially, 'somatization' dimension was significantly higher in score (P<0.05). 4. Symptoms ranked top in male and female patients were `54-over coscern about your health' in males and `16-over concern with the fear of having a serious illness' in females. CONCLUSION: Family physicians have to consider not only physical impairment but also psychological aspect of patients with chronic illness for comprehensive management in medical practice.