Seasonal variation of morbidity in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: To study the seasonal variation of morbidity in Hong Kong. Design: A morbidity survey was conducted among Family Physicians (FPs)/General Practitioners (GPs) in Hong Kong in 1994. The participants were asked to record the diagnosis, age and sex of all cases in a selected week in each of the four seasons. Diseases were coded using the ICPC coding. Data were analysed by the SPSS. Subjects: Patients who consulted the participating FPs/GPs within the study weeks. Main outcome measure: FPs/GPs stated diagnoses. Results: Thirty-six FPs/GPs completed the recording of 51186 health problems. Respiratory infection, the commonest illness, had the most significant seasonal variation with higher frequency in spring. Allergic respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis were commoner in spring and autumn. Skin infections and eczema, gastrointestinal infections were commoner in summer. Attempt was made to explain the variations observed. Conclusion: This study showed that there were seasonal variation of diseases including respiratory infection and allergies, gastrointestinal infections and skin diseases. This served as stimulation for further study of the seasonal variation of specific diseases and could provide valuable data for planning of preventive measures and health resources.