한국 노인에서 광역시도별 자살률과 의료급여의 상관성

초록

Objectives:We aimed to find out the relationship between the regional suicide rates and the percentages of medical aid in the el- derly in Korea. Methods:Suicide rates of the elderly in 16 upper-level local governments from 2007 to 2009 were calculated using ‘Cause of Death Statistics’ and ‘Annual Report on Live Births and Deaths Statistics’ from Korea National Statistical Office. The percentag- es of medical aid persons among the elderly in 16 upper-level local governments were calculated using ‘National Health Insur- ance Statistical Yearbook’ from Health Insurance Review Agency and National Health Insurance Corporation. The correlation be- tween the suicide rates and the percentages of medical aid in the elderly was measured. Results:There was no significant correlation between the suicide rates and the percentage of medical aid in the elderly in 16 upper-level local governments. But significant negative correlation was found when only the old-elderly or the old women were ana- lyzed. And the significant negative correlation was also found when only 8 local governments except the major cities and the na- tional capital area were included for analysis. Conclusion:Medical aid system could be helpful to reduce the suicide rate in the old-elderly or the old women in Korea. And this effect might be intensified in non-metropolitan and non-capital area.

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