Descriptive analysis of total medical admissions and common medical disorders in 1987 Kuantan General Hospital, using computerized in-patients' discharge record

Using computerized in-patients' discharge records, a descriptive analysis was carried out of all medical admission in 1987 in a general hospital. The survey found that there were a total of 4053 admissions in 1987. A wide range of medical disorders were seen reflecting the lack of subspecialization. Cardiovascular disorders topped accounting for 25.6% of all admissions, followed by gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders 12.8% and respiratory disorders 10.7%. The commonest specific medical disorders seen were hypertension 13.8%, diabetes mellitus 10.2%, ischaemic heart disease 7% and asthma 4.5%. The age, sex, ethnic and geographical distributions of the common medical disorders seen appear to conform to two broad pattern; hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease affected the older patients, had even ethic distribution and predominantly urban. Malaria, non-specific fever, viral hepatitis and acute gastroenteritis affected the younger patients, predominantly rural and Malay. Information from such surveys may be useful for planning and organization of medical services.