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.
Matched MeSH terms: Digestive System Diseases/epidemiology*