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[Medical services utilisation: which role does social support play?--Results from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)].

AIMS
This study examined the role of social support in relation to the use of medical services in a north-eastern German population.


METHODS
A representative random sample of the Pomeranian population (4,310 persons) was analysed. The response rate was 68.8 %. Bivariate and multivariate associations between socio-economic variables, need (evaluated and perceived health status), social support and the number of consultations (general practitioners or internists) were assessed. The SF-12 and the MOS social support survey were used as standardised instruments.


RESULTS
Social supports showed no main effects on utilisation rates. Individuals living in a partnership showed lower levels of utilisation (median: 4.3 vs. 6.2). The combination of high morbidity and low social support or no partnership results in an increase in medical services utilisation.


CONCLUSIONS
Social support treatments that target an appropriate use of the health care system can be a cost-effective measure in chronically ill patients.