Geographical differences of hospital admission rates for cardiovascular conditions. Some possible factors. Chile 2003-2005

Abstract

Hospital admission rates for ischemic heart disease differ among the 28 Health Areas of Chile and the recent short term trend shows an increase. They are associated with the total admissions rate and with the proportion of old age persons in the population of the areas. There is a low correlation with non-poverty. No association was seen with cardiovascular diseases mortality ((20-64 years) nor with the percentage of rural population. Admission rates for cerebrovascular disease are slightly lower than those due to ischemic heart disease and the dispersion among health areas is also slightly lower. In general, the short term recent trend is a declining one. They are more strongly associated with the rate of all admissions and with the proportion of elderly persons. There was a low correlation with poverty and none with the percentage of rural population. There was a clear association with mortality from circulatory diseases. The implications of the area specific results for epidemiology and for the administration of the Health Services and Hospitals are discussed. Challenges for further research are indicated.