Epidemiologic Profile of Otorhinolaryngological Disorders in Greece
Author Information
Author(s): Symvoulakis Emmanouil K, Klinis Spyridon, Alegakis Athanasios, Kyrmizakis Dionysios E, Drivas Emmanouil I, Rachiotis Georgios, Philalithis Anastas, Velegrakis George A
Primary Institution: University of Crete
Hypothesis
The study aims to define the epidemiologic profile of common otorhinolaryngological, head and neck disorders to assist general practitioners.
Conclusion
Most patients used the facility as a primary care service, indicating that real emergencies were a minority.
Supporting Evidence
- Acute tonsillitis was the most common diagnosis, accounting for 12.3% of visits.
- Over 60% of cases were classified into ten major diagnostic groups.
- The hospitalization rate was 5.2%, indicating that most visits were not emergencies.
Takeaway
This study looked at people visiting a hospital for ear, nose, and throat problems and found that many were not real emergencies but common issues that could be handled by regular doctors.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 6771 patients who attended the Otorhinolaryngology emergency department over one year, recording age, sex, and clinical diagnoses.
Limitations
The data is drawn from only one hospital, making it difficult to assess the real needs of the community.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 3454 women (51.0%) and 3317 men (49.0%), with a mean age of 36.3 years for females and 36.8 years for males.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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