정신질환 유무에 따른 의료이용 차이: 만성 신체질환을 가진 중ㆍ노년기를 대상으로 = Difference in Healthcare Utilization Based on the Presence of Mental Disorder: Among Middle-Aged and Elderly People with Chronic Physical Illness

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background: Middle-aged and elderly individuals with chronic physical illnesses may experience comorbidity with mental disorders. Mental disorders are associated with somatic symptoms, health-risk behaviors, and reduced treatment adherence. Individuals with both chronic physical illnesses and mental disorders may exhibit higher healthcare utilization compared to those with chronic physical illnesses alone. Therefore, this study aims to empirically analyze the differences in healthcare utilization based on the presence or absence of mental disorders among middle-aged and elderly individuals with chronic physical illnesses. Methods: Three years of data from the Korea Health Panel Survey were used, and a generalized estimating equation analysis was performed using the inverse probability of treatment weighting obtained from the marginal structure model. Results: The group with mental disorders had a higher prevalence of individuals who were older, had lower income and education levels, were without a spouse, were recipients of medical assistance, lacked private health insurance, had disabilities, had more severe chronic conditions, were not economically active, and had more than four chronic illnesses compared to the group without mental disorders. Additionally, there were differences in the distribution of income and age between male and female individuals with mental disorders. Individuals with mental disorders had significantly more outpatient visits and longer hospital stays compared to those without mental disorders. Conclusion: This study suggested differences in healthcare utilization among male and female patients with chronic physical illness depending on the presence of mental disorders. The findings highlight the need for policy interventions to address disparities in healthcare utilization among individuals with mental disorders.